A quay to the past

The annual Cork Coal Quay Family Festival will return in spectacular fashion this month for its eighth outing.

The popular festival celebrates the Coal Quay’s rich and vibrant heritage as one of Cork city’s most beloved and historic areas.

Beginning at 11.45am on 17 August, the festival will get underway with Muddy Lee and the Coal Quay Shawlies who will march from North Gate Bridge along North Main Street to Cornmarket Street.

They will be accompanied by members of the Middle Parish, Coal Quay Historical Society and a host of local traders, as well as the internationally renowned Cobh Animation Team.

The procession will be met on Cornmarket Street by Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr John Sheehan who will officially open the Festival while the Shandon Bells chime the ‘Banks of My Own Lovely Lee’ out over the city.

Muddy Lee and the Cork Coal Quay Shawlies will then perform a special Coal Quay dance for the Lord Mayor.

Following the dance a prayers of remembrance ceremony will be performed by the parish priests for the deceased Coal Quay dealers and residents of the area, marked by the symbolic releasing of doves.

While some of Cork’s most popular choirs, groups and musicians perform live music on stage, a photographic exhibition of old maps and illustrations will be on display showcasing the famous Coal Quay Market in its former days.

As part of the festival a week-long photographic exhibition will also be on show in the foyer of Lidl on Cornmarket Street.

All are welcome to attend this event and are even encouraged to dress up in traditional attire all in the spirit of nostalgia.

For further information contact organiser Richard Cooke at richardtcooke@yahoo.com.