Lorraine crowned Clarenbridge festival queen

THIS year’s Clarenbridge Oyster Festival Queen was recently revealed as Lorraine Lally, a native of Creganna, Oranmore.

Lorraine, who holds a degree in business studies from GMIT and an MA in public relations, currently works with Bukeridge PR and Event Management, Dublin. A keen sports person, her hobbies include camogie and tag rugby.
The village of Clarenbridge has long celebrated national and international acclaim for its annual oyster festival. The event, now in its 56th year, is very much part of local heritage and organisers are hoping that 2010 will provide an excellent weekend for all in the festival marquee.
The weekend focuses primarily on local oyster heritage. The events celebrate the Clarenbridge oyster, known as the best in the world and what it represents: tradition, heritage, learning, trade, employment, growth, tourism, family, friendship and community.
“This festival owes its continuing success to the support and generosity of the local and regional business community. This vital support ensures an impressive weekend of entertainment and fine food, whilst introducing many new novelty additions to the festival with your host, TG4 weatherman, Dáithí Ó Sé,” said Anne Forde, festival chairperson.
Details of this year’s festivals have just been announced with the official opening of the festival taking place on Friday, September 10 at 9.30pm with the traditional big band night and American country legend Robert Mizzell in the festival marquee introducing the first ‘I’d love to Jive’ waltz and jive competition.
The Classic Oyster Gala Celebration on Saturday, September 11 will feature a musical and entertainment extravaganza, including Fuaim Chonamara, Julie Feeney and Carouse from 4.30pm to 1am.
In between the fun, visitors will be able to sample and savour the native Clarenbridge Oysters and select from a varied buffet, which includes seafood chowder, fresh seafood, a selection of breads and salads, a savoury hot plate and tea and coffee.
“The Clarenbridge Oyster Gala Celebration is noted for its style, fashion and glamour. Year on year, all expectations are exceeded in the fashion stakes and the best dressed lady competition at the Saturday event has become one of the social highlights of the year. We can confirm the Galway NOW Best Dressed Lady competition for 2010 will be judged for a second year by Irish designers, Tyrell and Brennan. This year, the prize will ensure the bar is raised yet again, so dress to impress and introduce your own sense of style to this unique occasion,” Anne added.
“Early booking is advised. We already have a number of confirmed bookings and following the sell-out success of last year, indications are we will have a sell-out festival again this year” she commented.
To complete the festivities, the Sunday Jamboree will have a family theme. The event will include a children’s disco, followed by live music from Streetwise. It will also involve fancy dress and art competitions, the now famous townland tug of war competition, Clarin River duck races, penalty shoot-outs and raffles.
A full carvery lunch offering a wide selection of freshly prepared food and a children’s menu will also be available on the day.
Full details of this year’s festival programme of events are available on www.clarenbridge.com. Tickets are available from 091 796766.