Mayor backs Limerick 2020 European Capital of Culture bid

Limerick 2020 European Capital of Culture bid – Elves came out of the sky to help decorate the Christmas tree and switch on the Lights for Christmas on Bedford Row in Limerick. Picture Sean Curtin, FusionShooters.

Limerick 2020 European Capital of Culture bid – Little Victoria Marty Crowe, age 3 is curious and wants to see Candyfloss the Elf, Fidget Feets Ashlene McFadden. Pic Sean Curtin Photo, Fusionshooters.

It’s time for Limerick people to get onto the streets and party like it’s Limerick 2020!

The hard work is nearly over and Limerick people are being encouraged by the Mayor of the city and county to take time off next Tuesday (July 12, 2016) and celebrate the Limerick 2020 European Capital of Culture bid!

advertisement

advertisement

advertisement

The city will be transformed with a carnival atmosphere around every corner as Limerick gets ready to party with a series of special events hosted in the city centre throughout the day.

The Mayor of the City and County of Limerick Cllr Kieran O’Hanlon is urging employers to give staff time off for the celebrations:

“Limerick 2020 is such an important milestone in the celebration of our culture in Limerick.  Everyone involved has been working so hard and I’m calling on all employers to facilitate staff to take a longer lunch-break or finish early on Tuesday to soak up the unique atmosphere and celebrate their city. In the era of mobile technology, you don’t always need to be sitting at your desk to work and I think it would be a nice gesture for businesses to help in the final push with the announcement of the winning city due on Friday, 15^th July.”

He added:  “The celebrations will bring everyone together showcasing what Limerick is really all about.  There is a renewed pride in what Limerick has to offer and a confidence that we can deliver, even on the largest scale.  The inclusivity that culture has brought to Limerick is important as the city continues to thrives and build on its foundations for the future”.

Deputy Bid Director and Arts and Culture Officer for Limerick City and County Council Sheila Deegan said: “The party next Tuesday, 12^th July is to celebrate the Limerick 2020 bid process and to say a ‘big thank you’ to everyone who has come on board and backed us and supported us throughout the past 18 months. Win or lose next week, the whole bid process has been very important in the re-imagining of culture in Limerick and the place it plays in the overall plan to transform Limerick into the place to live, work, play and stay. We all want to continue to embrace, nurture and deliver culture in an imaginative and inclusive way to the people of Limerick city and county.”

On Monday night the bells of all Catholic churches across Limerick city will ring out at 20.20 (8.20pm) to welcome the European Capital of Culture judges to Limerick.

So how can you party like it’s Limerick 2020 on Tuesday, 12^th July?

• Culture & Chips will take over The Crescent on O’Connell Avenue from 12.30pm-7pm with a street party of food culture, performance and of course chips.  The block party will host local food producers, professional chef demonstrations, live DJ, a The World Recipe Exchange and performances by aerial acrobatic troupe Fidget Feet.
• There is something for everyone on Tuesday, from a morning leisurely coffee at the historical Cleeves Condensed Milk Factory, O’Callaghan Strand with a big surprise Limerick-style at 11.00am to guided walking tours of the city.
• The new Urban Garden on O’Connell Street will host the Gig in the Garden from 2.30pm featuring an eclectic mix of home-grown talent -The Harmony in Hands Deaf Community Choir will be a must see!
• Foodies used to the usual Wednesday Boardwalk Street Food Market will be in for an extra treat as the market will be open on Tuesday bringing world cuisine to Shannonside with mouth watering dishes and live music from 11.00am.
• The Hunt Museum Garden Party begins at 2.30pm in the new Custom House Park with face painting, artists creating new works of art, all to a jazz accompaniment.
• Children will be drawn to Ormston House for the Science Magic Show, (from 3.00pm), which promises an explosive time with chemistry and magic to entrall.
• And all this will be taking place to a soundtrack of the young musicians from the Music Generation Buskers, who will be showcasing their talents on the streets of the city.
• This year’s edition of the world renowned EVA International festival, Still (the) Barbarians, will host a two-day symposium from Tuesday (July 12, 2016), with delegates from around the world convening in Limerick.

For more information on Limerick’s 2020 Party please visit www.limerick2020.ie, Follow us on Facebook or Twitter@Limerick2020 or visit www.limerick.ie.
For more related stories by I Love Limerick, click here.