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

 

European Vikings to invade Down for annual festival

Down Recorder, Wednesday 25th May, 2005

Killyleagh will be a hive of activity this weekend then the town's annual Viking boat festival takes place.

The traditional race across the town's historic harbour forms the centrepiece of what promises to be a fantastic and fun-filled extravaganza.

The weekend action kicks off on Friday night at 7.30pm with a Viking rock gig and barbecue at the Showgrounds at the Comber Road, featuring Sweetleaf and CDJTJ.

On Saturday, the eagerly awaited Viking banquet takes place at the Showgrounds with the music provided by the fabulous Blarney Boys and Raffles. There will also be a spectacular Viking battle re-enactment, with the entertainment scheduled to start at 7.30pm.

Sunday's action commences with a festival parade at 2pm from the castle to the harbour and will feature brass accordion and pipe bands, alongside cheerleaders, children in costume, Killyleagh YC's U10 cup winning football team plus over 220 boat race competitors.

Race organiser, Mr. Tony Davies, said he hopes local people and visitors to Killyleagh next Sunday will come out in numbers to welcome the parade as it passes through the town.

He explained the procession will be led by historical figures, Magnus Barelegs and Saint Patrick, and they will be joined by comedians Grounds and McKee, who will be in Killyleagh as part of a filming assignment for the BBC series Grounds and McKee Stay Over.

Mr. Davies said it has also been rumoured that Dick the Duck has been found and will accompany them. The search for Dick was launched last week to start a duck race from the Dibney River to the harbour area this Sunday.

"After the parade, there will be a number of activities happening in the town," he continued. "A craft fair will be held in Hans Sloan Square, featuring up to 20 stalls, while a vintage car display will take place at St Mary's car park in Shore Street.

"Street music will be provided at several locations making it a great day out for all the family. People will even be able to get a caricature of themselves."

Mr Davies said the races are scheduled to start at 3.30pm and confirmed a total of 22 teams have entered. He said organisers are promising this year's event will be bigger than ever, with the grande finale planned for 6pm. The awards ceremony will take place in Hans Sloan Square half an hour later.

"Race day is the culmination of a hectic weekend of activity," he continued. "On Friday, a party including the Bergen and Magnus Viking Associations, will make a pilgrimage to Magnus' grave, courtesy of the Downpatrick and County Down Railway, before attending a civic reception in their honour at the Saint Patrick's Centre.

"This is a fitting launch to our festival. We want to welcome our visitors from Bergen to Co. Down in style as they have travelled a long way to be here and we want to show our appreciation."

Mr. Davies and the Peel Young Vikings are set for a sea-borne arrival at Strangford Lough later in the day having made the crossing from the Isle of Man in a chartered boat.

He added: "They'll be bringing with them a new trophy which they've kindly donated for the event and which the mixed and ladies teams will race for on Sunday."