Galway Oyster Festival 2010

GALWAY OYSTER FESTIVAL 2010

GALWAY OYSTER FESTIVAL PROGRAMME

The Galway International Oyster Festival is one of those unmissable "I-was-there" annual events that Ireland in general and Galway in particular are renowned for.

But don't take our word for it. Read the schedule below, book your hotel , and prepare for action.

You'll be talking about it for years.

*** Wednesday 22nd September
Guinness Irish Oyster Opening Championships
Venue: Spanish Arch Hotel
Time: 8:00pm

***Thursday 23rd September
Guinness Arthur's Day 2010

*** Friday 24th September
The Oyster Festival 'Big Night Out'
Venue: Meyrick Hotel, Eyre Square
Time: 7:30pm
Dress Code - Smart Casual

Live music will kick start the party at the Guinness and Oyster reception followed by festival tapas and champagne. This is followed by a gourmet four course dinner accompanied by fine wines in the opulent Dining Room of the Meyrick Hotel. Our newly crowned Oyster Pearl will be in attendance as will our Guest of Honor.The Mayor of Galway will welcome one and all and then the party starts.

The non-stop entertainment , featuring top class artists Abbaesque and The Dublin Gospel Choir, guarantees you’ll be finding your dancing feet before the night's end.

***Saturday 25th September
Oyster Festival Parade & Official Opening Ceremony
Venue: Galway Harbour, Le Niamh
Time: Starts at 11.30am. Free public event

Fun & free for all the family, traditional Irish musicians and performers will keep the dock-side crowd entertained beside the Navy ship 'LE Niamh' until the opening ceremony begins. Our newly crowned Oyster Pearl will present the season's first oyster to Galway’s Mayor - a tradition since 1954.

After the ceremony, the Oyster Festival Parade hits the streets of Galway featuring a colourful line-up of musical bands, vintage cars, oyster openers, our Oyster Pearl, Guest of Honor and visiting dignitaries. The parade will journey through the streets of the Latin Quarter, Eyre Square and lastly to the Oyster Festival Center at the Radisson Blu Hotel.

Oyster Tasting
Venue - Festival Centre, Radisson Blu Hotel
Time: 12:oopm - 5:30pm

12.00pm OYSTER TASTING

Enjoy the new season Galway Bay oysters or a platter of smoked accompanied by complimentary Guinness and white wine.

Seafood Chowder and a choice of a Seafood or cold meat platter luncheon will be served to all guests.

1.00pm GUINNESS WORLD OYSTER OPENING CHAMPIONSHIP
The Guinness World Oyster Opening Championship features contestants from every continent competing for the world title and valuable prizes.

2.00pm BEST DRESSED LADY COMPETITION
Prize worth €5,000. One lucky lady will walk away with a white gold necklace with a diamond pendant worth €4,000 and €1,000 in cash.

For all the ladies joining us, this years Best Dressed Lady competition is a great excuse to spoil yourself. The Galway International Oyster Festival has always been synonymous with grace and style and this year promises a dazzling display of fashion with a spectacular prize for the winning lady sponsored by Fallers Jewellers since 1879, www.fallers.com

3.00pm ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE GUINNESS WORLD OYSTER OPENING CHAMPION

After the winner of the Guinness World Oyster Opening Championship is announced, the party will get into full swing with an international flavoured entertainment line-up including Irish music, dance and the brilliant Blues Brothers.

6.00pm - 9:00 pm Latin Quarter Street Festival - Let the Party Continue!

The streets of Medieval Galway know locally as ' The Latin Quarter' ( Shop Street, Quay Street and High Street), are home to some of the best known pubs and restuarants in Galway. This year, a free street party with live music entertainment and Guinness & Oyster promotions will take place. Make sure you experience it for yourself- and bring all your friends for a super night out in Galway!

Oyster Festival Gala Ball
Venue: Festival Centre, Radisson Blu Hotel
Start time: 8pm
Dress Code - Black Tie

A truly glamorous evening of exquisite food, drink and entertainment. The night starts with a Guinness, Champagne and Oyster reception followed by a gourmet five course banquet style dinner. Your enjoyment is guaranteed by internationally acclaimed entertainment and dancing until late. This year is no exception with our very special guests The High Kings and dancing 'til the wee hours with the Las Vegas Connection.

***Sunday 26th September
Oyster Festival Finale
Venue: The Latin Quarter- Free for all the family

Start time: 1pm

Finish with style at the final event of an action-packed weekend. Live music, street performers, The Friendship Band and much, much more.

The pubs and restuarants of the Latin Quarter will be serving great value seafood lunches.