Today the National Lottery launched its sponsorship of the Skyfest spectacular as part of St. Patrick’s Festival in Limerick City.
The National Lottery Skyfest, in partnership with St. Patrick’s Festival, will take place in Limerick City on Saturday 13 March 2010 with festivities starting from 6pm. Street theatre group Arcanna will wow crowds before the main spectacle, treating them to the ultimate outdoor production.
The National Lottery Skyfest spectacular will be broadcast live on RTÉ ONE from 7:30pm. On that evening, a fireworks extravaganza will light up the skies over the majestic treaty city of Limerick choreographed to an amazing soundtrack curated by 2fm’s Jenny Green.
Internationally renowned and award-wining fireworks company, Pains Fireworks, has developed this unique show. Yearlong dedication and planning is required to create and produce such a visual sensation. 1.5 tonnes of fireworks with over 1,500 shots will take over eight days to set up, resulting in an explosive celebration. An estimated crowd of 50,000 is expected to view the show from Limerick City with a further 15,000 to enjoy the spectacle from outlying areas.
To add to the festivities in Limerick and to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, the National Lottery will also be adding an extra €2 million to the Lotto jackpot on Saturday 13 March 2010. The Lotto draw on the night will take place in Limerick. This draw will be broadcast live on RTÉ ONE, presented by Nuala Carey.
This is the third time the fireworks and musical spectacular will take place outside Dublin. Last year, the National Lottery sponsored the Skyfest spectacular in Waterford City while in 2008, Skyfest took place at the Rock of Cashel, Co. Tipperary.
“The National Lottery is delighted to bring Skyfest to Limerick. Skyfest never fails to amaze and this year will be bigger than ever with 1.5 tonnes of fireworks. It promises to be a St. Patrick’s weekend to remember for all the family,” said Dermot Griffin, Chief Executive, National Lottery.
“There’ll be lots of entertainment on offer and to add to the festivities on St. Patrick’s weekend, we’re broadcasting our Lotto draw live from Arthur’s Quay Park in Limerick City. To make it extra special, we’re also adding an extra €2 million to the Lotto jackpot on Saturday 13 March 2010,” added Mr Griffin.
“This is the third time we have staged the National Lottery Skyfest outside of Dublin and we are really looking forward to seeing Limerick enjoy the show we have created for them. It will of course be a magnificent fireworks display, but we have also programmed a really engaging evening of pre-show entertainment so spectators can come in to the City early and make it a real night to remember,” said Susan Kirby, CEO St. Patrick’s Festival.
Festivities kick off at 6pm. Skyfest will be broadcast live from 7:30pm followed by the Lotto draw live from Limerick at circa 8pm.
Spectators are advised to prepare for the weather. This is an outdoor show so please dress accordingly. Weatherproof clothing is strongly advised in the event of inclement weather.
For all event details please log on to
www.stpatricksfestival.ie