The Irish America Festival, Ireland’s official Fourth of July celebration, is a three-day festival in New Ross, County Wexford, from 1 to 4 July 2016.
The town, the hometown of one of America’s most well-known families, the Kennedy family, is planning an Irish-themed Fourth of July celebration.
Launching the 2016 festival programme, organiser Teresa Delaney said: “We are delighted to unveil our Irish America Festival events programme for 2016. Annually we welcome lots of American residents and visitors from all across Ireland who are eager to celebrate their traditional holiday along with Irish holidaymakers looking to join in the fun. It’s a very unique event in Ireland as the only official ‘July Fourth’ festival and it is of course very fitting here in New Ross with our very special connections with the U.S.”
Festival highlights include a main stage with music from multi-platinum artists The High Kings, Paddy Casey, Big Generator, and Special Brew, along with Daft Punk and Elvis Presley tribute acts.
A Ross Food and Craft Fest will also run daily from 10am to 6pm, during which visitors can explore the Quayside and enjoy local produce and craft creations.
On Sunday 3 July, a Picnic in the Park will take place from 2pm to 6pm, with games and entertainment for families. South Street Al Fresco returns on Saturday 2 July from 12pm to 5pm, featuring Ireland’s travelling marionette string puppet theatre from Moon & Sixpence.
Local school children have collated a time capsule, a new addition to the festival, which they will bury on Sunday 3 July and reopen in 2066.
Activities and entertainment will take place across the town for the weekend, including a funfair carnival at the Town Park, a chilli challenge, a pie-eating competition, and more. For full festival details, see www.visitwexford.ie