Excitement permeates the atmosphere in Carlow as Carlow County Council announces the highly anticipated revival of Streetfest, a dynamic celebration of culture, creativity, and community unity scheduled for Friday 10th May and Saturday 11th May 2024. Lower Tullow Street in Carlow is poised to undergo a magnificent transformation into a vibrant hub of entertainment and festivity.
Streetfest, a family-oriented event brimming with captivating circus displays, lively street performances, an exhilarating busking competition, and the infectious beats of Beat FM broadcasting live from the street, promises a diverse range of experiences for attendees of all ages.
Renowned for its captivating circus acts, Wobbly Circus is poised to enchant audiences with two captivating shows each day at 2:00pm and 3:30pm, skilfully blending talent, humour, and sheer spectacle to captivate spectators of all ages.
This weekend marks the second edition of the "Lower Tullow Street: Craft Village," a haven for art enthusiasts showcasing a diverse array of handcrafted treasures, including candles, soaps, paintings, nuts, cold cups, jewellery and more.
Additionally, Streetfest proudly champions local businesses, shining a spotlight on Carlow's vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and offering visitors the opportunity to explore a myriad of unique products and experiences within their own community.
Anticipating the upcoming festivities, Cllr. Andrea Dalton, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, stated, "The traditional Town Centre is the heartbeat of our communities, pulsating with the energy of commerce, culture, and connection. I know this pilot pedestrianisation project tests how we can work together to create a more vibrant town centre. A vibrant town centre is not just a reflection of economic vitality; it is a testament to our collective spirit, showcasing the ingenuity of local businesses, the creativity of our artisans and the warmth of our hospitality."
Echoing this sentiment, Cllr. Tom O'Neill, Mayor of Carlow Municipal District remarked, “At the heart of Streetfest and the pilot pedestrianisation programme is supporting retail. As Mayor, I strongly encourage our residents and visitors to embrace the power of shopping local. When you support local businesses, you're not just making a transaction; you're investing in the heart and soul of our community. These businesses are the backbone of our economy, the engines of innovation and the champions of our unique identity.”
Addressing the Streetfest Programme, Kieran Comerford, Head of Economic Development & Enterprise with Carlow County Council, emphasised the transformative potential of active weekends in retail. He highlighted the importance of turning shopping into an experiential journey and expressed excitement for continued collaboration with the business community in this pilot programme.