Clon’s street carnival hits 10
Former Irish rugby star Simon Zebo will be among thousands of revellers next weekend at the Irish Yogurts Clonakilty Street Carnival celebrates its 10th anniversary.
The annual event takes place on Saturday 13 June and has grown into one of the region’s biggest summer celebrations since first launching in 2016, attracting crowds from across Cork and beyond.
Former Munster and Irish rugby star Zebo said: “The community spirit of the Irish Yogurts Clonakilty Street Carnival is what makes it a brilliant day out for all ages. When you have young kids like me, you spend a lot of time looking for that perfect summer day - great food, live music, something for the family and that sense of being part of something bigger than yourself.”
Now firmly established as a highlight of the West Cork summer calendar, the Irish Yogurts Clonakilty Street Carnival was created by Clonakilty’s local business community and volunteers to celebrate the completion of the town’s renewal and flood defence works. Over the past decade, it has evolved into a major family-friendly festival showcasing local food, music and community spirit.
This year's programme includes headline music acts including Live Forever - an Oasis tribute band - alongside the Black Apple Bastrds, with free live music and entertainment filling the town centre from morning until late.
Children's activities kick off from 11am at Astna Square, with drumming workshops, carousels and a climbing wall, circus performers, stilt walkers, face-painting, puppet shows, a kids DJ and much more.
At the heart of the day is the carnival's iconic long-table dining experience where Pearse Street is transformed into a colourful, bustling outdoor feast, with mouth-watering dishes prepared by the region's top chefs, award-winning restaurants, hoteliers and food producers. From fresh local seafood to crowd-pleasing curries, this is West Cork's largest outdoor dining celebration. Food is served from 3pm and is strictly ticketed. Organiser of the Clonakilty Street Carnival Kevin O’Regan added: “The Clonakilty Street Carnival exists because of the dedication of our community, who show up year after year to make it happen. From our volunteers and local schools to the restaurants, businesses and all of our sponsors, it’s a true collective effort. Reaching this milestone is a testament to that continued community support and we believe the carnival’s legacy will only grow stronger, bigger and better in the years ahead.”
With the 10th anniversary of the Irish Yogurts Clonakilty Street Carnival promising the biggest and most vibrant programme yet, those wishing to secure food tickets are strongly advised to book early.
Full event details and food tickets are available at www.clonakilty.ie and www.tickettailor.com/events/clonakiltychamberofcommerce/.