A parade through the Marble City announces the start of the Kilkenny Beer Festival.
Inspired by the Munich Oktoberfest in Germany, the first Kilkenny beer festival was held from in May 1964. After weeks of preparation, the 12th Kilkenny Beer Festival gets underway with a parade in vintage cars through the city, led by Saint Patrick's Band with majorettes. From eight finalists, Joan Howley, originally from County Mayo, is selected as the Beer Festival Hostess for 1975.
Running from 28 May to 2 June 1975, the Kilkenny Beer Festival promises an extensive programme catering for all ages. All the major events will be held in the Fair Green, just off the city centre, with a huge beer tent as its centrepiece.
There is a children’s fancy dress parade and competition, while the ballad competition and the national and international half-set championship are both in their final stages. The festival offers sporting events such as golf, greyhound racing and soccer. There is also Fossetts Circus and a funfair.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 30 May 1975. The footage shown here is mute.
