The Ballina Quay Regatta fest is making a fantastic return to the quay from June 12th -14th and is set to reignite the nostalgia of years gone by with a spectacular line up featuring All Ireland Currach Racing, boat treasure hunts, fishing competitions, air displays, fly boarders, water skiing and much much more.
The event is a fantastic addition to the already action packed summer calendar in Mayo North and is being presented by the Moy Estuary Boat Club, supporting the RNLI and the Ballyglass Lifeboat service. After a 20-year absence, the Regatta is making a grand return and will delight both visitors and locals with an array of magnificent events.
Friday June 12th
Friday night will see a pirate treasure hunt come to the quay, followed by the Monarch on the Moy and a Gospel Choir Concert; a perfect introduction to the weekend long entertainment. There will be disco entertainment at the after-party at the Ballina Rugby Club with doors opening at 9pm. Tickets are €10 and €5 for students and OAP’s and are now available at Crockets on the Quay and Keane’s Shop.
Saturday June 13th
The Wild Atlantic Way Destination Point will host a super adventurous and enjoyable day on Saturday as the Quay will be awash with activity and craic. Stand Up Paddling Board and Kayak races will be taking place all day and there will also be a fishing competition in the lead up to the Ceili Mor which will have the entire crowd dancing and jigging as nighttime approaches. The RNLI will present their search and rescue helicopter and there will also be a spectacular 4 man parachute jump, kayak racing, bike hire, pony riding and Paddle Boarding.
Sunday June 14th
On Sunday at the Ballina Quay Regatta, the official cutting of the tape will take place at 1pm at the ice –house Hotel with a huge day in store for all visitors. The Band of the Western Command will headline with an amazing live performance and the final day will also feature a craft fair and a stunning air stunt display – the perfect day out for all the family. Water skiing and races will take place on the quay while huge excitement is surrounding the return of the currach racing for the All Ireland Race in the afternoon.
Sunday’s line-up is simply spectacular and will be awash with colour from the piper parade, army colour, boy scouts and children’s pirate fancy dress. There will also be bouncy castles, Ireland’s tallest climbing wall and the must anticipated Punch and Judy Comedy act. The air show begins at 1:30 and again at 4pm and features two of Ireland’s top stunt pilots. Currach racing will take place from 2pm-6pm with the relay swim beginning at 4pm. Music in the Marquee begins at 6, with an amazing fireworks display promised at 10.30 over the river.
The excitement is surely building, as many of the residents bear fond memories of days gone by and previous regatta festivals in the quay. Without a doubt, a strong sense of nostalgia surrounds the festival with much anticipation building around the return of the regatta, bigger and better than ever before.From Fly Boarders to Novelty boat racing, power boats, climbing walls, bouncy castles and lots more fun and games, the programme of events for the weekend is certainly an impressive one.
A must-not-miss event for all the family, stay tuned on social media channels for all the latest news on the return of the Ballina Quay Regatta fest to the Mayo North region.
