Shiny happy people set to paint the town red

A community paint party this weekend aims to deliver a new lease of life to a West Cork town.

Derelict buildings on Bridge St in Skibbereen will benefit from a lick of paint in a bid to boost business as part of a voluntary scheme with a fun twist.

Tomorrow’s Shiny Happy Skibbereen street party will bring a colourful overhaul to promote a positive image for the street as the tourist season kicks into gear.

Mops, buckets, and brushes will be provided for volunteers, while four professional painters will get to work amid a fancy dress parade with buskers, face painting, and the shooting of a dance video to the REM tune that gave the event its title.

Bridge St-based interior designer Gina Meehan teamed up with businesses to set the community street party in motion.

“We wanted to give the street a lift because this is where the tourist bus stops and it had become a little tired looking. We’ve been overwhelmed by the response, the community spirit and support has been amazing,” she said.

Visit Shiny Happy Skibbereen on Facebook for more information.