With just two days to go to the Mallow Racing Home for Easter Festival, orga-nisers are putting the final touches to the event which is expected to attract thousands of people of all ages for a packed programme of family entertainment. As was the case last year, all the events apart from the racing will be held in Mallow Castle, starting on Saturday with the Country Lifestyle Pet Show at 12 noon, followed by live music and amusements (from 12.30pm), and Street Theatre Ireland performance (2pm and 4pm). First race is off at the racecourse at 1.30pm.
The action will start early on Sunday with the ever-popular Artisan Food and Craft Fair from 9am-2pm, Monsieur Gusto from Street Theatre Ireland at 11am, and River Raft Race leaving Mallow Bridge at 1pm. There will be glamour galore at the racecourse, with racing starting at 1.50pm, but all eyes will be on the most stylish women and men with special guest judge Vogue Williams. ‘Most Stylish’ winners will be announced in the Parade Ring at 3.30pm, and the lucky woman will receive a stunning €2,500 pendant, while the most dapper gent will scoop a €500 voucher for Barry’s Menswear.
Back to the Craft Fair in the castle, and one event that should attract a lot of interest is the carving of a design into the large tree stump in front of the old castle.
Monday’s events will begin with the Pi Cycles 10km Family Fun Cycle which will set off from Mallow Castle at 10.30am, and there should be great interest in the Easter Commemoration at the racecourse at 11.45am. The ceremony will include a pipe-band-led parade to the racecourse parade ring for a flag-raising cere-mony, reading of the Proclamation, battle re-enactment, and artefact and photographic exhibition, plus traditional music. See full report on page 10.