Athlone Summer Fest is a two-day weekend event of free activities and entertainment for all ages and interests to enjoy. The festival is supported by Athlone Town Council and takes place this Saturday, July 14, and Sunday, July 15.

The festival programme includes an artisan market on Saturday at The Bawn and Civic Square and local buskers will perform at various locations throughout the town in the afternoon.

Entertainment that evening will be provided by local DJ, Shane McCarron from the festival stage at Main Street carpark (rear of Athlone Castle) from 8pm to 9.30pm, followed by a fire show from Tonnta Street Theatre at Main Street and Custume Place between 9pm and 10pm.

The evening will finish up with headline act, The Ginger Biscuits from the festival stage between 9.30pm and 11.30pm.

Sunday, July 15, brings another day of entertainment and activities commencing with a 'Catch & Release' Pike Fishing Competition (downriver) leaving from Burgess Park at 10.30am (weather permitting).

A 'Pot of Gold' kids treasure hunt will take place at 1pm in Burgess Park with special characters making an appearance to guide the children along the way. Organisers stress that participating children be accompanied by an adult.

Burgess Park will be a hive of activity for all the family between 2pm to 5pm. Activities and events include: giant slides, bouncing castles, face-painting, Tonnta characters and street performers, rodeo bull, pillow challenge, penalty shoot out and Chuggy playcentre.

Bozo the Clown's children's magic show will take place from 2.30pm to 3.30pm. Local karate club, Matsubayashi Shorinryu International Karate Club will display their skills between 3pm and 3.30pm and a selection of family novelty races including egg & spoon, three legged and sack will be held from 3pm to 4pm. There will also be performances on the day by Athlone Pipe Band from 2 to 2.30pm, Athlone Town Youth Marching Band from 3 to 3.30pm, Starlight Dance Troupe from 4 to 4.30pm and The Ravens Marching Band from 4.30 to 5pm.

Also not to be missed is a vintage tractor display, which will be located at Burgess Park throughout the afternoon.

The festival programme outlining events, times and locations can be found on www.athlone.ie/summerfest or brochures are available at The Town Council Offices in the Civic Centre, Tourist Information Office in Church Street and many businesses throughout the town.