Crown handed over on night of the ball
■ At the launch of the Wicklow Regatta were contestants Nzinga Harrinton, Karen Duffy, Darina McGrath and Aisling Cullen with Padraig Humby and Leah Johnston, on behalf of Guinness, sponsors of the Regatta.
CONTESTANTS FOR this year's Regatta Queen were one of the big attractions at Thursday's launch in the Leitrim Lounge of the Wicklow Regatta Festival.
Over 10 days of events are planned for this year's festival ranging from kids fun da; Young at Heart night; teddy bears picnic; lifeboat display; Singing Pub; fireworks and the Wicklow Rowing Club Regatta on the August Bank-holiday Monday.
The much coveted Regatta Queen will be crowned at the Regatta Queen Ball being held on Sunday July 25.
Organisers are also delighted to announce the return of the ever-popular Raft Race. Last year it couldn't take place due to health and safety worries, but DPD Wicklow has come to the rescue for this year. John Docherty of DPD also happens to be a volunteer on the RNLI crew and will provide lifejackets for the event.
A spokesperson for the organising committee said they were delighted with his gesture.
'We are delighted John has sponsored the raft race. It's one of the highlights of the festival and was missed over the last few years.'
John has also offered to purchase sufficient lifejackets to not only allow the raft race take place this year, but every year from now on.
The Regatta Programme will be going on sale shortly listing times and dates for all events. The committee would like to thank Guinness, local businesses and the community for the support, and ask that everyone comes out to join in the fun.
For more details log on to www.wicklowregatta.com
