Comber Earlies Fringe Festival gets off to a CHAMP-ion start!
Comber Earlies Fringe Festival, is a week long programme of events, from Fri 17th – Sun 26th June, being hosted by Comber Regeneration Community Partnership, and supported by Ards and North Down Council, local businesses and voluntary groups in Comber. CRCP’s vision was to provide opportunities for more community involvement and develop a sense of identity through the Comber Earlies Potato, which achieved EU PGI (Protected Geographic Indication) status.
The Fringe Festival’ got off with a CHAMP-ion star on Friday 17th June with the School Olympics held at Comber Rec. Pupils from a number of local primary schools competing for Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals! There were a few future Esain Bolts there!
On Satuday 18th June, the winner from the Festival Queen nominations was announced by the judges at the Supper dance being held in Comber Rifle Club. This year the Festival Queen was chosen from women who have been specially nominated as an ‘Unsung Heroine’ that holds an organisation or the Comber Community together in a special way; a woman who always does way above and beyond what would be expected of them. Eveline Carlisle was announced as 2016 Comber Earlies Festival Queen. Congratulations to A lovely lady who has served Comber Community over many years in her own special way.
The wee man from Strabane is looking forward to a plate of Comber Earlies on Thurs 23rd June! Hugo Duncan will be broadcasting live from Comber Square at the Fringe Festival. This is planned to be a fabulous family day out, with Festival food stalls, lots to taste, craft activities, face painting, competitions and lots more.
More toe tapping music can also be enjoyed at ‘Music for the Potato Gathering ’in the Non subscribing church hall on Wed night. Comber library will also be hosting ‘Gathering Stories’, tea and craic with the Libraries NI storyteller in Residence, Liz Weir on Wed 22 June at 2.00pm. For those who enjoy a few brain teasers, North Down House will be running a ‘Spud Quiz’ on Thurs night, 23rd June commencing at 9.30pm
Other highlights include the ‘Living Legacy Roadshow’ hosted by Comber Historical Society, a special day for all the family on Sat 18th, in Andrews Memorial hall. For those who enjoy a little grated cheese on their baked potato, can ‘Meet the Cheesemaker’ at Indie Fude’s event on Fri 24 June. For all doggie lovers, a great family evening’s fun and entertainment will be had at ‘The patch, Ballyrainey Road on Tues 21st June.
After the Comber Earlies Food Festival, on Sat 25th June, Comber Silver band will provide special music at a short service in the square on Sunday 26th June with Comber Churches Together to conclude all the festival activities.
Further details of events in the Fringe Festival are on www.comberregeneration.co.uk or available in Comber library, and posted around the town.
CRCP look forward to your support at these events. ‘See you there’!