Published: Wednesday, 28th July, 2010 5:30pm

Euro Fest committee overwhelmed by crowds

The organising committee of the European People's Festival has been overwhelmed by the crowds that have come out in recent days to support the many events scheduled throughout the week.

Town Clerk John Walsh, who is the chairman of the European People's Festival committee, said the committee is really pleased with how the event has been going so far.

"We planned meticulously for the festival and it's worked out as we planned. The people of Athlone have come out in huge numbers to support the events," said Mr Walsh.

He said the committee was pleased that its health and safety plan had worked out, a plan which co-ordinated the efforts of the council, the gardai, the fire service and the Order of Malta.

"It's all worked out very well," said Mr Walsh.

He mentioned, in particular, the stewards who have come out each night for the events to manage the crowds.

"It's not easy to get people to work on a voluntary basis like this. They have been very supportive," he said.

Mr Walsh added that our European visitors are very pleased with the festival.

"It's the best festival we've ever had within the series of festivals since 1992," said Mr Walsh.

Carmel Duffy told the Westmeath Independent this week: "We've been overwhelmed with the crowds in town. From an organisational point of view things are going very smoothly. Everything we put in has been worth it."

She said two of the countries arrived on Friday night with the remainder arriving on Saturday and said each country was then assigned an information pack.

"The entertainment Saturday and Saturday night went extremely well," said Ms Duffy. "We had a really successful Open Mic Night with all ages taking part, from tiny tots up to middle aged people taking to the stage."

Ms Duffy said the opening parade on Sunday was also a success and the Civic Square looked unbelievable for the opening ceremony and the atmosphere was brilliant.

She said the committee had been receiving very positive feedback from the participants and the public about the festival.