Clarenbridge set for two days of oyster-swilling fun

IT will very much be a case of “down the hatch” for over 5,000 succulent oysters during one of Ireland’s longest running festivals on September 15 to 16.
More families are expected to flock to the 58th Clarenbridge Oyster Festival, which has undertaken a major revamp.
Speaking to The Clare Champion, festival chairperson Marie Cloonan confirmed the event has taken a new direction. There is much more of a casual/chic emphasis with plenty of fun and entertainment and less focus on the formal social side that is often more attractive to the business sector.
Ms Cloonan said the committee had decided to reduce the festival to a two-day event to encourage more visitors to include it as part of a weekend break.
She noted the dramatic overhaul is already paying off with up to 3,000 tickets sold for various events and a strong international interest with bookings from Switzerland, Sweden, France, the United States and Canada.
Due to the reduction in ticket prices, the festival is also attracting more interest from sporting and social groups, as well as local revellers.
First established in 1954, Clarenbridge is now one of the longest running oyster festivals.
In the words of Ms Cloonan, Clarenbridge is very much the “original of the species”.
“This year, we decided to go back to basics and we feel it is already reaping dividends. There is a great interest in bookings already and it has all the ingredients of a great festival,” she said.
The festival’s Oyster Fete, which takes place on Saturday 15, will kick off at 4.30pm until late. The evening will feature live music entertainment including Jon Conover, Top of the PopZ, the Jim McKee Band and cover band Pulse, featuring Dan Trayers.
In addition to sampling delicious oysters, there will also be some hot and cold rustic culinary delights. Competitions will also take place throughout the evening including the annual classic brush dance, oyster eating and opening competitions and most stylishly dressed competition.
The Festival Family Fun Day on the Sunday, from 1pm to 6pm, promises to be a great day out for all the family. Children U-12 gain free admission.
There will be activities throughout the day to keep the little ones entertained, including a pearl hunt and duck racing in the River Clarin, as well as a children’s colouring competition and the annual tug of war. The fantastic live music line-up will have people dancing all day, with bands Oddity and Amazing Apples set to take the stage. 
For car enthusiasts, the national annual Cannonball Run will showcase their array of super cars.
For more information about the festival or to get your hands on a ticket log on to www.clarebridge.com, call 091 796766, email info@clarenbridge.com or check or see www.facebook.com/clarenbridgeoysterfestival.