Bandon’s most famous son, Graham Norton, to return home for Cork Rebel Week on Friday 18th October

08 October 2013

Bandon native and celebrity talk show host, Graham Norton is set to return to his hometown on Friday 18th October for the official opening of the ‘Graham Norton Riverwalk', as part of Cork Rebel Week celebrations from October 14th - 20th.

The tranquil walkway, which runs alongside the famous River Bandon in Norton's hometown has been transformed and will be officially opened by the man himself at 2pm.

Bandon was one of nine Cork towns selected to host international marching bands during Cork Rebel Week and which was tasked with drawing up its own diverse programme of events to entertain visitors throughout the festival, which is being run jointly by Cork County and City Councils and is supported by The Gathering Ireland 2013, and a wide range of local organisations.

The Bandon Host Town Committee liaised with Graham Norton for months, as it drew up an exciting line up of events ahead of Cork Rebel Week, its highlight being the opening of The Graham Norton Riverwalk.

Deirdre Lane, Bandon Town Mayor said "I am delighted that Bandon was selected as one of Cork Rebel Week's Host Towns, and as we get ready to welcome our 31 piece French Marching Band and many visitors to the town during the week-long festival, it is a great honour to welcome home one of Bandon's most famous sons, Graham Norton.  We look forward to welcoming Graham home for the occasion, and are urging people to come along and join in the festivities."

The general public are invited to come along at 2pm for the official opening ceremony, which takes place at the beginning of the Riverwalk at The Bridge, Glasslyn Road, Bandon. Here Norton will give a short speech and will then take a stroll down his very own walkway, before planting a tree at the Community Garden.

Ms. Lane added: "We are absolutely thrilled this project has come to fruition. Bandon is truly proud of Graham Norton and his achievements to date. Over the past number of years Graham has been awarded the highest accolades by his peers and his industry; now our community is very excited to welcome and honour Graham in his hometown."

County Mayor, Cllr. Noel O'Connor "The opening of the Graham Norton Riverwalk is a fitting tribute to a man who has put Bandon on the map and placed the picturesque town and indeed Cork under the international spotlight. All credit is due to the Bandon Host Town Committee which has worked tirelessly to ensure the man himself will be here to officially open the walkway and join the Cork Rebel Week celebrations."

For more information on all Bandon and Cork Rebel Week events and activities visit www.corkrebelweek2013.com and follow the festival's facebook and twitter feeds for the latest updates.