With Yulefest scheduled to conclude on Saturday, December 23rd, anticipation is building for a final week of festivities. It’s the perfect opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the festive ambience, buy last-minute gifts for the entire family, and gather with friends for a singalong at the bandstand on the Parade.
The final weekend promises to be a highlight, as a low-level fireworks display will illuminate the night sky over the River Nore, providing a spectacular conclusion to the Yulefest celebrations. The entire community is invited to join in the joyous occasion, making it a memorable and magical experience for all.
Thursday December 21st
A special performance by Morning of School Choirs will take place on Thursday December 21st with the regular market traders open for their last event before Christmas.
Friday December 22nd
Yulefest Christmas market will be open from 11am to a later time of 8pm. Following the market, the annual fireworks display will take place at 8.15pm at the Abbey Quarter side of the River Nore. The fireworks can be viewed all around Kilkenny City, with the best viewing spots noted at John’s Quay and Michael Street. This is a free event, sponsored by Kilkenny Chamber.
On Friday, free public performances will take place between 12 noon and 8pm on the bandstand. There will be four performances including Mick Walsh, Bobbie Carey& Carole Nelson, Burnchurch and Code of Behaviour. There will be a special kiddies Christmas disco at 4pm where everyone is encouraged to wear a Christmas Jumper! There will also be Face painting available on The Parade on Friday December 22nd from 12pm to 5pm at a cost of 3 euro.
Saturday December 23rd
On Saturday, Yulefest market runs from 11am to 6pm. This is the last day the markets will be open before Christmas.
Plenty of music, dancing and family entertainment will take place at the Yulefest Bandstand on The Parade. There will be a children’s magic show at 11am and 3pm on The Parade as well as balloon modeling at 12 noon and 4pm. Both events are free of charge.
The Yulefest Bandstand is located on The Parade in Kilkenny city, alongside the Yulefest Christmas Market. The grand finale will feature Sola, Banna Cheoil Traidisiunta with Clann Sabhaois and Raindogs.
Visitors to Yulefest will also have the opportunity to take part in a musical workshop with acclaimed drummer Jeremy Hickey of R.S.A.G. This Rhythm Makers event will give participants an opportunity to enjoy a fun, relaxing and creatively stimulating drumming workshop. The final Rhythm Makers event will take place on December 23rd, on the Parade in Kilkenny city, 12 noon is for 5–7-year-olds, 1pm caters for 8–12-year-olds and 2pm is for adults. Music on the Yulefest Bandstand is free. Workshops cost €3 + booking fee and must be booked in advance.
There will also be dancing demos on the bandstand on Saturday 23rd December at 3pm. The demos will be run by John Nolan of Xquisite Dance. John is a professional dancer who took part on RTE’s Dancing with the Stars.
While thousands of people have taken to the streets of Kilkenny since the festival began on November 25th, organisers are encouraging those who haven’t yet experienced Yulefest to come.
Festival Manager, Marian Flannery, said:
“We’ve had a fantastic turnout at Yulefest 2023 to date and we have one more weekend to really showcase all we have on offer from the markets, to the music, to the children’s entertainment and to the fantastic fireworks display we have planned for Friday night.
Equally importantly, we want people to come and enjoy all the shopping and entertainment opportunities in the city centre and to ensure they spend as much as they can of their last-minute shopping locally in the heart of the medieval city. Our festival is all about keeping Kilkenny businesses busy and providing the fantastic choice and value in retail, entertainment and the finest of food.
Families from near and far have been out in force over the last few weeks and we’re very much looking forward to our next two weekends in the run up to Christmas. There’s no better place to be than Kilkenny this festive season.”
For more information see www.yulefestkilkenny.ie
