The 2019 Kildare Derby Festival Review.
Over 9 busy days towards the end of June, I had the pleasure to shoot a great many of the events that formed part of the Kildare Derby Festival and from that produce a review looking back on its various highlights. Taking place at the same time as Ireland's most famous horse race, the festival has been an integral part of town life since the early 80's, if not even earlier. This year marked an endeavour to return the festival to its roots with more horse racing centred themed events than ever before; a night in the company of horse racing legends, a pop up museum commemorating the town's rich, horse racing pedigree and the inauguration of a Derby themed, 12 furlong walk traversing the town.
This was along with a diverse programme of family friendly, community based events, the selection of a local Rose of Tralee contender, the incredible (and festival highlight) Lip Sync Battle in the town square and a stunning night of music with Brian Kennedy in the spectacular surroundings of St. Birgid's Cathedral.
All in all, it proved to be one of the most popular and well received festivals of the last few years and it will be interesting to see how it continues to grow and diversify over the coming years.