Viking Boat Race - Press Room

Anyone interested in helping with the organisation of next year's Viking boat races, five mile challenge run or get involved with the Killyleagh Social Partnership, is asked to contact Mr.  Huddleston, telephone (028) 4482 8114.

If there is anyone who feels they can help by providing the sponsorship, whatever the size - contact Tony Davies - (028) 4482 1461 or email killyboat@focused.ie

 

Press Release 4 – Killyleagh Goes Quackers

 

Killyleagh Viking Boat Festival

The organising committee of the Killyleagh Viking Boat Festival have launched an urgent appeal for ‘Dick the Duck’ to come forward.  “The Killyleagh Festival is largely self-financing and we are always looking for ways to raise funds.  This year we came up with the idea of a duck race to close the boat festival” said John Huddleston of the organising committee.  “We are planning that 600 plastic ducks will be launched in the river Dibney so as to arrive in the harbour for the final prize giving ceremony”.  In order to publicise the duck race the organisers are looking for someone to dress up as ‘Dick the Duck’, a larger than life character.  “At the moment we have neither the costume or the person to wear it” said John.  “We would like to make a major role for the right duck, helping lead the parade, launching the race and awarding the prizes”.  If anyone can help, either to dress up or provide a costume, can they please contact us on 4482 1461 during office hours or by e-mail to killyboat@slbc.ie 

The organisers are also appealing to local schools to join in the event.  John said “We’ve written to all the local schools inviting them to take part.  We had the idea that schools could use the parade as a sponsored walk and raise money, while at the same time making this the most colourful parade in Killyleagh’s history.  The offer is not limited to schools, any youth group that would like to take part in the event should contact us on the usual numbers.  We are encouraging as many people as possible to dress in Viking costume.  Magnus is an important part of our local heritage and we should celebrate accordingly, dressing up as Vikings seems a good way to celebrate.  Viking costume isn’t difficult; the boys from Ringdufferin Golf Club looked excellent last year in what was rumoured to have been potato sacks and plastic helmets.”

The final appeal is for anyone who can help the organisers marshal the events.  Once again if you are interested in helping contact the usual numbers.

Tickets went on sale for the ‘Magnus Parties’” this week, these are available from a number of businesses in Killyleagh.  Organised to support the election of Magnus as “last Norse King of Ireland” the parties will form part of a BBC series to be seen on our TVs in the New Year.  As part of the festival the comic duo Grounds and McKee will visit Killyleagh and take part in the event.  Hot Shot Films of Belfast will film the intrepid pair at the parties, rowing in a Viking Longboat and leading the parade as part of the BBC Series ‘Grounds and McKee Stay Over’. 

On Friday night the popular local group Sweetleaf, supported by local DJ CDJTJ, will lead the party at the Showgrounds.  “Marquees and Beer Tents will augment the facilities at the Showgrounds making it a great venue” said organiser Tony Davies.  “The events last year were a great success, this year they promise to be even better.  We are excited by Sweetleaf playing on Friday night.  The younger members of the organising committee sold them hard.  We are hoping their local fan base turn out in numbers and make this a great party.  To complement the music, this year we’ve brought in professional chefs to ensure that the food is of the highest quality.  Fantastic Music, Superb Food and a Great Local Venue, the Magnus parties promise to be the best Killyleagh has ever experienced!”

“On Saturday night we’ve booked the Blarney Boys who were a great hit in 2004.  With more space and the inclusion of a torch lit procession and Viking Bonfire this too should be a great night.  Venison and Hams will provide the traditional fare for this event, though we will also be catering for those less adventurous tastes.  The local Viking beers Barelegs Brew and Legbiter will again be on offer to complete what Tony describes as “A Party with a Difference”.

The Viking Boat festival will have a number of other media and broadcasting activities associated with it this year.  On Friday and Saturday the BBC’s ‘Big Yellow Bus’ will be in Killyleagh.  “We aim to take it into the heart of every community, providing IT taster sessions, information on the BBC services available in your area and a chance to see behind the scenes” said Robbie Meredith, BBC Assistant Producer in Killyleagh this week. 

In the main body of the Bus there is a large plasma screen television and a range of equipment for demonstrating Freeview television and Digital Radio (DAB).  The rear of the Bus contains a state-of-the-art broadcast studio.  This is where the team can gather content of local interest for broadcasting on Radio Ulster.  “Anyone interested in seeing how a recording studio works should come along and visit us, particularly those doing media study courses” said Robbie. 

Finally, the bus has the latest technology that allows visitors to learn new computer skills on one of the five PCs onboard. The team are all on hand to give free computer taster sessions to anyone over the age of 16.  On Friday the bus will be parked outside Killyleagh library and the bus and library staff will be working together to introduce computers to those who haven’t yet discovered their potential.  “The bus will be here as part of our Silver Surfer programme” said Anne Fee from the library.  “Our aim is to get people interested in the technology in the bus and then to show them the full range of computer services we have available in the library”.

On Saturday the bus will be relocated to the Killyleagh harbour area and will be on hand for Rowing Practice which will start at 15:30.  Those new to modern technology will be combined with those new to older technology i.e. the Viking Longships.  The practice session is designed for those that have never rowed before!  It will give them the opportunity to ‘try out’ the Viking boats before the big day.

Also on Friday the Just Jones Show comes to Killyleagh as part of Radio Ulster’s 30th birthday celebrations.  George will be talking to guests associated with the Viking Boat Festival at the Dufferin Arms during his show from 15:00 to 17:00 on Friday afternoon.  There will be live music provided by a number of bands and solo artists.  “We are encouraging people to come along and hear part of the show live” says Austin McCullough, proprietor of the Dufferin Arms.  “We’ll have all the windows open which will make the town ‘party like in atmosphere’.  We want to welcome our guests from outside Northern Ireland and this seemed a great way if doing it”.

Finally, Downtown Radio will be live from the festival in Delamont on Saturday.  DJ Candy Devine will present her Saturday show, 12:00 – 15:00 from the park.  Aussie Candy’s shows are always entertaining and full of fun, ideal for what is a family day out.  The Downtown Radio mobile studio will be parked near the wardens office in Delamont, so you’ll need to walk past it to get to the Viking events.  Why not get to the festival in plenty of time to be part of modern day radio before stepping back in history!

Ducks, Vikings, Parades, Parties and Media Stars, who could ask for more!  Support Killyleagh Viking Boat Festival 2005, your festival.