Now in it’s 12th year the Festival attracts some ten thousand people to the town and has built a reputation as a great family day out over the August Bank Holiday weekend.  The event showcases some of the best musical talent from Britain and Ireland on three live entertainment stages, showing modern, traditional Irish music and open dance competitions.

This year focuses heavily on the younger element of the community with a special children’s entertainment marquee involving games, song and story with particular emphasis on Irish traditions and folklore. In addition, sport and cultural identity are each featured prominently with GAA sports, a funfair, various food and craft stalls and displays with the added attraction of a licensed beer tent.

The event is run by the Celtic and Irish Cultural Society, which was formed to promote a greater understanding of Celtic and Irish traditions. Further details about the society and previous events can be found online at http://www.celtic-irish.co.uk

County Carlow has always had a close association with the Irish Festival in Crawley and this year is no exception.
As part of the GAA display, Erin’s Own (Bagenalstown) are making their way to Crawley to play a hurling match against a London selection. Erin’s Own Club were the All-Ireland Junior Club finalists in 2005, they won the Carlow Intermediate title in 2006 and are heavily focused on taking the Carlow Senior title this year.

Erin’s Own have already been in touch with the Carlow County Board and have been exempted from any of their match commitments on that weekend. They will be using their trip to the Festival to sharpen themselves up for the campaign at home, whilst taking in Irish Culture at it’s finest. The County Carlow Association London Cup Challenge Trophy together with other fantastic trophy’s are up for grabs for the victors.

Do come along and support the lads in the “Black and White hoops” as they take on London!