Turkish associations with Drogheda formed another positive link this week with the confirmation of Turkish Airlines as a significant sponsor in this year’s Drogheda Fringe & Maritime Festival with the highlight the visit to Drogheda Port of the Tall Ships over the May Bank Holiday Weekend
The Airline Company joins main sponsors Coca-Cola, Drogheda Borough Council and Drogheda Port in supporting the event which is expected to attract thousands of visitors to the Tall Ships when they arrive in Co Louth for a three-day stay over the Bank Holiday weekend.
As plans progress for the Drogheda Fringe & Maritime Festival and the arrival of the Tall Ships including Prolific, Johanna Lucretia, Ruth, Irene and Soteria, in Drogheda on the evening tide of Friday, May 3, organiser s are urging visitors to use public transport wherever possible.
Organiser Sandra Gough spoke of her delight as securing Turkish Airlines as sponsors for what has become a major event in Drogheda’s Gathering Calendar.
“It is absolutely fantastic that Turkish Airlines have come on board as sponsors. Joining our existing sponsors of Coca-Cola, Drogheda Borough Council and Drogheda Port Company, it demonstrates how international corporations and local authorities and business groupings can work with great effect.
Sandra explained how preparations are being made to cope with the huge influx of visitors to the town over the Bank Holiday weekend.
“There will be a number of car parks available to visitors, but we are expecting thousands to visit the Port over the three day stay of the Tall Ships and we would like to make the event easy for them to access, and avoid them being stuck in traffic jams rather than enjoying the quayside entertainment.
“Irish Rail will be increasing its capacity on services to Drogheda for the weekend to cater for Tall Ships enthusiasts and we have notified local bus service providers to expect larger numbers travelling to and from Drogheda.”
Sponsored by Coca-Cola in association with Drogheda Borough Council and Drogheda Port Company, the festival will see the Tall Ships arrive into Drogheda Port on Friday, May 3 accompanied by a flotilla of local craft of various sizes.
A huge number of people are expected to watch the ships arrive from numerous vantage points in the town, although it will not be possible to board the ships on the Friday evening.
Access to the Tall Ships will be available on Saturday and Sunday, May 4 and 5 from 5-8pm, although Drogheda Port will be open from 12noon-9.30pm daily.
Throughout each day there will be also be numerous events along the quayside including markets; amusements; a Ferris wheel and Maritime Museum.
Festival headliner Mundy will perform in McHugh’s on Sunday, May 5. Tickets priced at €15 are now on sale for the gig from McHugh’s or www.ticketmaster.ie
A number of young Drogheda sailors will be travelling on board the Prolific tall ship as part of a Bursary Scheme co-ordinated by Sail Training Ireland.
Updates on the Tall Ships and the Drogheda Fringe & Maritime Festival can be found on Facebook at Drogheda Fringe.
