Image by William Murphy.
This June bank holiday weekend will once again see the return of the Dublin Port Riverfest. The weekend-long event is organised by the Dublin Port Company and also by the Docklands Business Forum.
Spectators at this year’s festivities can expect the same calibre of entertainment along the quays as they have in previous years, although this year’s event comes with a few new surprises.
There are a wide variety of activities planned over the course of the three-day episode, including the arrival of three tall ships and four schooners which berth at North Wall Quay for the weekend. There will also be a stage with live performances of ‘Beatles For Sale’ which is part of a Liverpool-based theme this year as Riverfest 2016 is partnered with the Liverpool Maritime Festival.
Try-it-out kayaking sessions will also be available this year which will grant punters the opportunity to see visiting ships from uncommon angles. Eight tall ships will be sailing at the event over the course of the weekend.
Three daily trips out into Dublin Bay will be made available by Dublin Bay Cruises St. Bridget, while the permanent fixture of the ‘Jeanie Johnston’ will be present to offer free tours over the three days.
NewsFour spoke to Alan Johnson, Director of Riverfest and CEO of the Docklands Business Forum, about the upcoming fun and games we can expect.
“There are lots of new amusements this year,” Alan said. “It’s a family festival, so once again its free for all. This year there will be a Dance on the River Liffey. We have something new this year as we have wakeboarding, with the boards being pulled by a MasterCraft 7 Speed Boat.
“Poolbeg Yacht Club are also having a parade of sailing boats. The festival is also bigger this year, and we have managed to secure a longer section along the quay.”
By Craig Kinsella
