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

 

Preparing for invasion

 

Down Recorder, Wednesday 18 May, 2005

There is just over one week to go before Killyleagh is invaded again by Vikings.

Organisers of the annual extravaganza on the shores of Strangford Lough are promising next weekend's event will bigger and better than ever and a host of events have been organised in the lead-up to the main Viking Boat race on Sunday.

One thing which is certain is that Killyleagh will be a hive of activity all weekend when there will be something for everyone.

The town will be firmly in the glare of the media spotlight. Next Friday and Saturday the BBC's Big Yellow Bus will be in Killyleagh, providing IT taster sessions and information on the BBC services available in the area.

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, while the rear of the vehicle contains a state-of-the-art broadcast radio.

Next Friday, the bus will be parked outside Killyleagh library and BBC 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 Ann Fee from the library. "Our aim is to get people interested in the technology in the bus and then 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 starts at 3.30pm and is designed for those who have never rowed before.

Also on Friday, the Just Jones radio 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 two-hour show which starts at 3pm. And 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," said Austin McCullough, proprietor of the Dufferin Arms.

"We'll have all the windows open to give the town a party-like atmosphere as part of the plan to welcome our guests from outside Northern Ireland."

Downtown Radio will be live from the festival in Delamont on Saturday, when Candy Devine presents her regular Saturday show between noon and 3pm. The Downtown Radio mobile studio will be parked near the warden's office in Delamont.