Tipperary Co-op “It’s a long way to Tipperary” Festival Celebrating a Bygone Era 4th – 14th July 2013, Tipperary Town

14 June 2013

Tipperary Co-op “It’s a long way to Tipperary” Festival Celebrating a Bygone Era 4th – 14th July 2013

Tipperary TownLast year’s Tipperary Co-op “It’s a long way to Tipperary” Festival celebrated the centenary of the iconic song.   The festival attracted thousands of visitors to the area where the streets of Tipperary town were transformed to a bygone era of the early 1900’s with a festival packed full of nostalgia, music, art and heritage.   Dates for this year’s festival have just been announced and it will run from Thursday 4th to Sunday 14th July with 10 days packed full of new and existing activities.

The Tipperary Co-op “It’s a long way to Tipperary”  Festival will be focusing on fun activities for families and for people with an interest in what Ireland, and in particular Tipperary Town, was like at the beginning of the last century and how the country has progressed through the years.   Most of the activities will be free of charge and designed to celebrate the farming and general historical heritage of the region.

Festival chairperson Elaine Fitzpatrick, tells us “This year’s festival has grown off last year’s success and has become a strong reason for everyone to experience the great farming tradition in Tipperary and a celebration of the strong community spirit that is alive and well.  The festival celebrates our roots, steeped in the farming community, which makes it so fitting that an organisation so tied in to the history and heritage of the area, Tipperary Co-op, are our proud sponsors.  We are blessed with some of the best farming land in the country, and with so many businesses and families reliant on farming for their livelihoods and through the festival we celebrate this great tradition.

Elaine added “We also have the support of Tipperary Town Council, the Tipperary/IRD Chamber of Commerce, Tipperary Credit Union and all local clubs and organisations, who have all contributed to making this festival one of the best family based festivals in the country. Last year we were all blown away by the support of the community and the local businesses – everyone joined in the events and activities and it was so great to see so many people return home for the festival, something that is even more important this year, the year of the Gathering.

”The Festival will kick off with an official opening ceremony on Thursday July 4th which includes a showcase in churn-racing followed by a dynamic programme of events including  a trad music session and a “dancing at the cross roads” set dancing exhibition.  The churn racing last year was a very popular attraction and this year a call out will be issued inviting Co-ops and clubs from all over Ireland to participate in a National Churn Racing event the final of which will take place on Saturday 13th July.

Highlights of the following week include a food fair showcasing local Tipperary produce and local crafts from over 50 local food producers; including Tipperary Co-op who promote and sell their products internationally to small artisan food producers.  There will also be a flagship Gathering for South Tipperary with a vintage day around Tipperary town to “Meet your Great-Grandparents”. 

Ted O’Connor, General Manager of Tipperary Co-op, the Festival Sponsor’s stated “It is very important for us in Tipperary Co-op to play a key role in this year’s Festival. It gave us a great reason to participate in so many ways, from our staff dressing in vintage clothes, to organising our own in store events and activities – Tipperary Co-op SuperValu and Home & DIY store - customers and staff alike joined in the activities and it was great to see everyone working together to create a really special time in Tipperary.  In particular we are delighted to see a focus on our local food producers and hope that this year’s festival will be just as successful as last years and  throw the spotlight on all our local businesses and celebrate the wealth of indigenous Tipperary industries – big and small, creating employment and wonderful products.

”Throughout the ten day festival there will be lots of free family friendly street entertainment including an exhibition and talk on the butter industry in Tipperary and the history of Tipperary Co-op along with photo and memorabilia display, Recipe Competition - using Tipperary Butter and Cheese as key ingredients and Street Theatre and Entertainment along with music, art and vintage workshops.  On Sunday 14th July, the streets of the town will be transported back in time with vintage cars, music on the streets, and everyone dressed in vintage clothes.  The churn racing finale  will finish with a spectacular fireworks display on Saturday 13th July and it is hoped like last year thousands of people will assemble in Tipperary Town to  join in the celebrations of this great festival.

For full details on all the events and activities follow “the tipperary festival” on Facebook or visit www.tipperarytown.ie