WATERWAYS Ireland Riverfest 2008, in association with Coleraine Borough Council and the Lower Bann Partnership, will be coming to Coleraine on Saturday 14^th and Sunday 15^th June. Back by huge demand, the two day event on the Bann will be held at Christie Park, Coleraine and will play host to several world champions in Watersport’s from across the world.

World class displays will be performed by champion Dr Janet Gray MBE, World Disabled Water-ski and Northern Ireland personality of year, Janet will be wowing the crowds with her fantastic waterskiing displays. Andre De Villiers from South Africa is World Bare Foot Champion, Andy McDonald, Ireland’s number one and World Champion free style bare-footer, will all be there to showcase their amazing skills.

For those who enjoy Jet-skiing, and don’t often see it, Ant Burgess from Cheshire England, competed in the 2007 World Pro Freestyle where he came third, will also be attending. Ant, otherwise known as ‘Barrel Roll Burgess’, will be performing his stunts on the Bann next to Christie Park, which will include a spectacular back flip on a jet-ski and of course… his infamous barrel roll stunt!

For those who enjoy the more calming of sports on the river, rowing is one of the most popular and long established water-sports on the Lower Bann and the prestigious Waterways Ireland Rowing Regatta will be held over the two days attracting rowers from all over Northern Ireland. Spectators and participators will be getting in the mood as Beijing Olympics is not far away and members of the Bann Rowing Club will be competing against other world competitors during the event.

Rob Skelly, of the Edgewater Water-sports Warehouse who is managing the event, said; “I am really looking forward to the event as we are planning an even bigger and better weekend than last year. We have pulled together a magnificent show which will showcase local Watersports and the River Bann in it’s best light.

“Water safety is paramount and we are keen to show this in every way possible, Experts from rescue and safety from both land and water will be coming together to show an emergency scenario and how it can be controlled and managed to ensure the lives and safety of those involved are parmount.”

Moira Mann, Head of Development Services, added “Riverfest provides a great fun day for all the families in the Borough to come and enjoy, and it is also a great spectacle for holidaymakers to the area. The River Bann is one of the Borough’s finest assets and this event is a positive showcase for the types of activities available for children and adults of all ages. Safety on the water is also highlighted which is especially important coming into the summer months as more and more people get involved in water-sports”.

Martin Dennany, Director of Marketing Communications, Waterways Ireland, said “marketing and the Lower Bann is within the remit of Waterways Ireland. We are delighted to be able to host this international calibre event on the Lower Bann River and lend our support as headline sponsor. We expect the event will attract even more than the 12,000 happy spectators who attended last year’s inaugural Waterways Ireland Riverfest.”

The event also hosts a large number of land activities for all the family to enjoy and for children of all ages to be entertained by bouncy castles, a climbing wall, face painters, a lazer quest, live music, a boat display, and range of stalls. It is recommended that families bring their picnics and listen to the party in the park with live music and finishing off the evening with a spectacular fireworks display over the River Bann which will round up Saturday evening’s events.

The Waterways Ireland Riverfest will take place from Christie Park, Coleraine on Saturday 14^th June from 11am to 11pm and Sunday15^th June from 1pm to 6pm.

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