Tallafest 2016 hopes to energise the community
By Echo Reporter
TALLAGHT Community Council (TCC) launched Tallafest 2016 (#tallafest2016) to a bustling crowd of over 120 people from the business and wider community on Thursday in The Station restaurant, Molloys, in Tallaght village.
The tea-time event, sponsored by Molloys in their award-winning restaurant, was attended by the Mayor, the current Tallaght Person of the Year Philip Preston, local businesses, our media partners – The Echo and Intallaght, our festival venues – St Maelruain’s and The Priory, The Square, the ITT, SDCC, TDs and councillors – and a large number of Tallaght clubs, teams and schools.
This is the fourth year of the village festival, which seeks to energise the community and celebrate the heritage, arts, culture and creativity of the area for families.
It is organised by a team of volunteers and the programme includes a wide range of free activities – from guided history walks, art exhibitions, to imaginative child’s play and an afternoon of live entertainment on the main stage.
The family festival takes place in a pedestrianised zone in Tallaght’s Main Street on Saturday, September 3 from 12 noon to 5 pm.
The festival programme also includes the firm favourites of the balloon release and the giant sandbox, as well as the Dublin Fire Brigade and 98 FM. Also there will be Tallaght’s Choral Society, Tallaght ICA, Xquisite Dance School, CÓrus Choir and a whole host of sporting clubs who will be allowing you try-out new sports and also hosting sporting displays.
If you are a business interested in sponsoring the festival, a club who wants to take part in the festival or an individual who want to volunteer to be an event steward/marshal, please register online at www.tallafest.ie or email TCC today – asktallafest@gmail.com
Gerry Stockil, Chair of TCC, made special presentations at the packed launch event to acknowledge the contribution made to Tallaght by TCC member, Jim Lawlor, Tallaght’s Credit Union and The Square.
Jim Lawlor has volunteered for over 3 decades on TCC and has been a stalwart of the council – he is now the Honorary President of TCC.
Vincent McNally from the Tallaght Credit Union accepted the framed heritage map in recognition for their 50 years in Tallaght – helping many families save and fund setting up home, raising a family and even getting to the current Euros.
Jack Leonard accepted the framed map on behalf of The Square – who have supported TCC and host of other communities groups during their 25 years in Tallaght town centre.
TCC Chair Gerry Stockil was delighted with the launch, “It is very pleasing to see the launch so packed with so many positive, community-minded businesses and people – it points to another successful Tallafest.”
