Pictured at the launch of the 45th Kildare Derby Festival, which will take place in the town from Monday, June 26th to Sunday, July 2nd, were some of Ireland’s top jockeys. Chris Hayes, Billy Lee, Leigh Roche, Gary Halpin, and Rory Cleary were all in attendance at the event, which marks the lead-up to the highly anticipated Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh Racecourse. The festival promises to be a thrilling celebration of horse racing and Irish culture.
Blathnaid Doolan from Julianstown was also present at the announcement of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival. The festival, which is set to take place in the coming days, is expected to be a grand affair with an array of exciting events and activities for all attendees to enjoy.
In preparation for the festival, organizers have made efforts to ensure that the food served at the event aligns with climate-friendly practices. Approximately 1.5 tonnes of potatoes and fresh vegetables, sourced locally and seasonally, will be provided, along with 36,000 pints of Guinness. The aim is to minimize the carbon footprint of the festival by shortening supply chains and offsetting any emissions. The organizers have also implemented carbon labelling tools to help guests make sustainable food choices.
The culinary offerings at the Curragh Racecourse will include 1,750 burgers, 4,000 bottles of beer, 800 bottles of champagne, and 1,200 bottles of wine. To further contribute to sustainable practices, the festival has banned the use of air-freighted fruit and vegetables. The venue is expected to host 1,500 hospitality clients, with representatives from at least 50 companies hailing from 12 different countries. These guests will be catered to by an estimated 25 chefs and 450 hospitality staff members.
The Irish Derby Festival will kick off on Friday with a tribute rock band called Qween performing in the Champions Hall. On Saturday, the stage will be graced by Lea Heart, a young national singing sensation and Kildare native, in the new Festival Quarter. The festival will culminate on Derby Day, Sunday, with a live performance from Spring Break, who will be playing 80s classics.
To make attending the festival more convenient, the Curragh Racecourse is offering a free shuttle bus service from Newbridge and Kildare Town. Additionally, a Naas service has been introduced specifically for the Derby Festival, sponsored by leading security company Manguard Plus. For those traveling from Dublin, Expressway is providing a direct bus return service to the Curragh on race days. It is important to note that tickets must be purchased in advance through Expressway.ie.
The 45th Kildare Derby Festival promises to be an unforgettable event, showcasing the best of Irish horse racing and entertainment. With its commitment to sustainability and a diverse lineup of activities, it is sure to attract visitors from near and far.
