Arklow Music Festival 2016
This years Arklow Music Festival begins on Saturday 5th March and continues until Sunday 13th. This festival which has been held in March each year since 1970 is a very important and significant event in Ireland’s cultural calendar. Unique in its support for the performing arts at all ages, at local and national level. This year it celebrates its 46th anniversary. Bridgewater Shopping Centre and Elavon Card Services are sponsors of the festival this year.
There are five main venues for the festival – the Arklow Bay Hotel, Bridgewater Shopping Centre, Marlborough Hall, Arus Lorcain and St. Mary’s College. This 9 day event provides a platform for performers in various activities of music and drama and is also a competitive festival where distinguished adjudicators are engaged to provide encouragement and to award prizes in each of the many categories. Arklow Music Festival is not just a local event but draws competitors from many parts of the country and many former prize winners have progressed to a professional career at national and international level.
Last year over 6,700 competitors took part in the various competitions for verse speaking choral verse, piano, strings, drama, action song, school and adult choirs and junior and adult singing.
For more information and to download application forms and list of venues go to Arklow Music Festival website.
Daffodil Day 2016
Don’t forget Daffodil Day in aid of the Irish Cancer Society takes place on Friday 11th March. 
Daffodil Day is the biggest and longest running fundraising day for the Irish Cancer Society, Ireland’s national cancer charity and every single euro collected makes a difference to people with cancer and their families throughout Ireland.
On Daffodil Day thousands of volunteers around Ireland sell daffodil pins and flowers (on streets, in businesses, homes and shopping centres) to raise money for the Society’s free, nationwide services for those with, and affected by, cancer in Ireland.
If you are available to help on 11th March please ring 087-9967791 or 0402-39520.
Local Enterprise Week 2016
The Local Enterprise Office have organised the first ever Local Enterprise Week from Monday 7th – Friday 11th March 2016. Throughout the week there will be a host of events and information, focusing on the supports available to the local business community.
From Business Advice Clinics to seminars, the week will kick off with a full day of live tweeting with a Business Advisor who can be contacted at @LEOWicklow using the hashtag #localenterprise on Monday 7th March. They have two great seminars – the “INTERNET OF THINGS” in the Parkview Hotel on Thursday 10th March and “TRADING ONLINE VOUCHERS” in the LEO premises in Rathnew on Friday 11th March. It is recommended booking your place early!
For the full schedule of events, go to the LEO Website.
St. Patrick’s Parade 2016
There is nothing like The Arklow St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Savour the atmosphere as everyone join in the fun with traditional music, colourful floats, dancing and craic. There will be a wide variety of floats and marching bands this year and fun for all the family while all are welcome.
This year Mary O’Brien – Director of Arklow Cancer Support Group – has been announced as the 2016 Arklow St Patrick’s Parade Grand Marshal. As always, it takes place on March 17 and will set off from Yellow Lane and Knockenrahan. A number of cups and shields will be presented to winners in 12 categories including Best Float, Best Marching Group, Most Entertaining Group, Youth Award and Best Uniformed Group.
Mothers Day, Sunday March 6th
Mother’s Day in Ireland this year falls on Sunday, March 6th 2016. If you are looking for great Mothers Day gifts for the Mother who deserves only the best, why not to visit the Pottery Shop Arklow. You can also treat your Mum this Mother’s day with the help of Next! Check out some of the beautiful gifts in store or gift cards loaded to the value of your choosing at the Bridgewater SC Next.
