Tallafest is finally here
With the promise of blue skies this weekend, Tallaght Community Council volunteers are feverishly busy with the final festival preparations for the sixth Tallafest which takes place on Saturday, June 30, from 12 noon to 5pm in the historic area of Tallaght Village.
The festival will be opened by the dramatic and infectious beat of the Dublin Fire Brigade Pipe Band - led out by Mayor Paul Gogarty, Tallaght Person of the Year 2017, Sinead Tighe and the most famous vampire in the world, Paddy Drac.
The team from Tadg Riordan will be showcasing some vintage cars in the opening ceremony with local sports teams keeping them company. People are encouraged to welcome them to the village on both sides of Main Road above Bryan S Ryan.
Families are invited to join the parade for the “bubble release”, please meet at the dancers statue at 12 noon.
There are over 100 groups, businesses and activities in this years festival. Some new features this year include a soccer blitz in the ITT sports pitches from 1.30pm, where Tallaght Town, Sacred Heart in Killinarden and others will battle for the Tallafest title!
At 3.15pm U12 ladies GAA will take place between St Anne’s and Thomas Davis.
Active senior citizens will have a fun-filled afternoon in St Maelruain’s parish hall where a jam-packed program awaits them.
Number of workshops for children
Children will be encouraged to get hands on and enjoy creative fun at Tallafest 2018 with an increased number of workshops available – art classes, craft tables, science demos, National Print Musuem printing, badge making with Captain Climate Change, upcycle with Recreate and making cute bees with Jumping Clay Dublin.
Or you could try Rope making classes with Tallaght Arts in the Culture Corner! There’s something for everyone!
Music fans will be spoiled for choice. There is everything from choral music, rock and trad from the Live stage on Main Street.
Dance fans will also be able to see Xquisite Dance on the main stage after their heroic performances on Ireland’s Got Talent earlier this year!
Tallafest is celebrating other cultures with Brazilian Clowns and Peruvian Ballet on display this Saturday.
The festival programme is impressive and offers a fun-filled afternoon for all the family – free of charge thanks to TCC and the panel of supporting businesses and sponsors.
Take your camera or phone with you to enter the festival photo competition too! #tallafest2018
“We are delighted to be bringing the sixth festival to the community. It is enjoyed by so many and brings a rich vibrancy back to the village,” said Gerry Stockil, TCC Voluntary Chairperson.
“We are thrilled with the support shown for Tallafest – it is amazing to think we have some kids in Tallaght who don’t know a summer without it.
“There are over 100 different groups, clubs, activities on offer this year and we have extended the festival across the whole village from Main Road to the Old Blessington Road.
“It is particularly pleasing this year to offer inter-generational activities, active sports matches and a much expanded creative zone, allowing kids get hands-on creating and learning in a fun environment,” added Tara De Buitlear, Festival Director.
