Sligo Folk Park Vintage Day celebrates 25-year anniversary

Riverstown Heritage and Vintage Day was launched on Monday, 13th May. It will be held in Sligo Folk Park, on Saturday 1st June from 12-5p.m. 25 years after the very first Vintage Day back in 1994. It promises to be a fantastic day out for all the family from vintage displays, live music by Paul Kelly, crafts demonstrations, heritage games, the farmestival marquee and our new fairy village.

The Heritage and Vintage Day follows hot on the heels of the hugely successful Easter Eggstravaganza, which drew huge crowds of families and children to enjoy the attractions. The new fairy village, which was so popular at Easter will also be open on the day.

Speaking at the launch, Michael Tuohy, Chairman of Sligo Folk Park said, “Riverstown Heritage and Vintage Day is a celebration of heritage, country life and vintage machinery. We’ve a great day planned with plenty of attractions, live music, crafts demonstrations and activities all around the park. We’d love everyone who is in or near Sligo on that day to come down and discover what’s happening at the Sligo Folk Park”. Michael welcomed our new sponsor. David Porter who said “’Porter Ford are delighted to partner with the Sligo Folk Park for their very special Vintage Day. We are delighted to support our neighbours and a community rich in heritage and enterprise, both traits that are close to Ford’s heart. We are looking forward to an exceptional event!”

Highlights of the Heritage and Vintage Day include an exhibition of vintage cars, tractors and engines – a vintage motor enthusiasts dream. Younger visitors will love the new Fairy Village as well as trying their hand at some traditional heritage games and watching horses being shod in the old-style working forge with fires and flames aplenty.  Bee keeping is always popular and craft demonstrations include wood turning, basket weaving and spinning.

In the Pantry at Millview House visitors can try their hand at butter churning, grinding corn and making delicious traditional dishes like boxty, brown bread and colcannon. A very special display of Poitín Making is sure to be a huge attraction as Johnny and Molly share the secrets of making the fiery liquor. A heritage and vintage day wouldn’t be complete without music and dance.  With live music by Paul Kelly and band and a display of Sean Nós Dancing from Bróga Bríomhar Dance School.

Next year, 2020 marks a significant milestone for Sligo Folk Park which will celebrate 30 years in operation. As a fitting marker for this landmark event, the Folk Park is undergoing significant redevelopment to bring it into line with best practice in tourism attractions around the country.

During the redevelopment, Sligo Folk Park will remain open and will host festivals and events as normal. Visitors are asked to excuse any signs of construction or change which are unavoidable as the changes take place.

For more information and ticketing, visit www.sligofolkpark.com