Chairperson's Address

On behalf of the Organising Committee of the 42nd Annual Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to this year's event!

Over the past 42 years, the people of Birr have embraced this event with evergrowing enthusiasm, which has made the Festival one of the biggest & best in the country. This year we again see the coming together of the community in celebration of Birr's heritage and culture. With its fine Georgian architecture, vibrant arts environment and strong community spirit, Birr is placed among the most attractive locations on the map.

On behalf of the Committee, I want to extend special thanks to: All the clubs, societies and venues who host the numerous events during the week; Birr Town Council; Birr Garda Siochana; Birr Fire Brigade; Central Fire Station (Tullamore); Civil Defence; Marian Hall Committee; Order of Malta; Birr & District Motor Club; Birr Lions Club; Dooly’s Hotel; Ann Quinlan; David Manzor; Abby Noyce and Pat Guinan. I would also like to take this opportunity to commend the Festival Committee, community groups and individuals for their enthusiastic voluntary spirit, vital to a successful Festival. As a first time Chairman, it has been an honour to work with such a group of wonderful people.

Sincere thanks to our funders and sponsors who, in these difficult financial times, gave so willingly. Birr Pubs hosted great fundraisers over the past few months and worked together to secure new sponsorship from Diageo (Guinness), the Gleeson Group (Tipperary Water) and Britvic Ireland (7Up). Their continued commitment to the Festival is gratefully acknowledged and very warmly appreciated.

Finally, thank YOU, the community of Birr, for supporting our fundraisers and Festival events so generously. It’s your Festival – we wish you a very enjoyable week!

Let’s make this another year to remember!

Liam Dumpleton
Festival Chairman

Festival Committee 2010

Chairman: Liam Dumpleton
Vice-Chairperson: Michelle de Forge
Hon. Treasurer: Laura de Forge
PRO Janine Wilson
Hon Secretary: Gerri Hynes
Secretary: Emma Nee Haslam
Parade Coordinator: Orla Watkins
Committee: Veronica Alexander, Fred Boulton, Seosamh Breathnach, Brian Corrigan, George Dempsey, Damien Dillon, Brendan Fogarty, Orla Gibbons, Keith Grainger, Denis Hoctor, Heather Joyce, Susan Molloy, Finula Regan, Cyril Stanley, DJ Wilson.

Vintage Shop-Window Display Competition

in association with MidIreland Tourism

Calling on all shop owners to enter the Festival spirit and dress your window in vintage style to remember days gone by. Winner to be announced on Sun 15 Aug.

Busking Competition

The Michael "Dom" Egan Memorial Busking Competition is an annual competition, designed to recognise and showcase the talent that Birr and its surrounding areas have to offer. This free event is open to anyone who wants to participate. If you would like to perform on the streets or on one of the stages and be in with a chance of walking away with the prize money, you can submit a registration form which will be available from the Festival Office. Full details can be downloaded here

Vintage Photographic Competition

Enter your photographs illustrating the spirit of Birr Vintage Week and Arts Festival 2010 and what the Festival means to you! Non-returnable entries, €1, to David O’Meara, Pharmacy Plus Birr by 12 noon on Fri 20 Aug. Entries will be displayed from Fri 20 Aug. 1st prize, kindly sponsored by David O’Meara, Pharmacy Plus Birr.

Vintage Costume Competition

in association with Birr Chamber of Commerce

Enter your photographs illustrGet into the festival spirit by dressing in period costume and be in with a chance to win great prizes! Costumes available from Ann O’Meara, Midland Costumes 057 9120147 and Eileen Flanagan, Esmeralda Costumes on 086 1000220

Parade Route

The Festival committee would appreciate if the parade route as outlined on the map above could be left free of cars from 10am– 6pm and the Marian Hall Car Park left free for parade participants only from 12–4pm on Sun 15 Aug. Thank you for your co-operation.

Traffic Diversions

With thanks to Birr Gardaí
In the interest of safety and enjoyment of the Festival, local traffic diversions will be in operation during the Festival week. Disruption will be kept to a minimum and your co-operation is very much appreciated.

Parking Restrictions

To provide space for some Festival events and to enhance your enjoyment of these events, parking restrictions will be in place within the town throughout the week. Please obey the temporary notices.

No Hawkers or Ticket Sellers

We urge the public to only purchase goods from official Festival sellers. Stall holders with Festival permits will only be admitted to trade.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information contained herein is correct, no responsibility is accepted for any errors or omissions.