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

 

 

Getting ready for latest Viking Invasion

Down Recorder - 23 February 2005

It may still be cold outside, but preparations for this year's Killyleagh Viking Festival are hotting up.

Race organisers have been making waves for the past few months in preparation for the event and last week held talks with Down Council officials and representatives from the Magnus Vikings group.

The talks were held at Delamont Country Park which will stage the annual Viking extravaganza in the summer.  The festival also includes the popular boat races at nearby Killyleagh harbour.

Organisers of the Viking boat race festival, which is now a truly international event, are promising this year's crazy capers will be even more spectacular than last year's which drew thousands of people to the town.

To date, teams from Bergen in Norway and the Isle of Man will join a host of locals and others from Scotland, while Scotland, while it is hoped teams from Oslo and the United States will also be competing.

Traditionally the boat race is held on a Sunday and will be preceded by a parade through the town.  It is hoped to stage another craft fair, similar to last year's.

"The aim this year is to get more people dressed in Viking Costumes" said a spokesman for the organisers.

"Programmes are being planned for schools and youth groups with the aim of having the Vikings out in force in Killyleagh.  We are keen to have as many children as possible at the parade and hope schools will enter into the spirit of the event."

The spokesman said if there are any local clubs or groups who wish to enter the parade, organisers will be more than delighted to see them.

One of the key aims of the Viking boat race is to raise as much money as possible for particular causes and the organisers are currently in touch with a number of potential sponsors in a bid to seek financial support.

Race organiser, Mr. Tony Davies, said early support is essential as it allows proper planning for the event.

"If there is anyone who feels they can help by sponsorship, whatever the size, they could contact me at either (028) 4482 1461, or killyboat@focused.ie."

"As with last year, there will be a festival tee-shirt and money will also be raised on Friday and Saturday nights before the race."