Georgian Day Armagh 2025

ARMAGH RALLY REPORT  

     29 vans attended the meet at the annual Armagh Georgian festival to be warmly greeted by our hosts Hayley and Brian with Andy and Audrey at the Armstrong Primary School which is brilliantly situated a couple of minutes walk from the main town and all the festival action. Some relaxed in the warmth of their vans that evening or visited friends to catch up but other hardy souls (no names Sam and Andy) ventured forth to sample Armagh’s nightlife, returning well after most folk were in their beds. 

     There was an extensive programme of events taking place on the Saturday and those wise enough to pre-book (not us) were able to join the themed events which included the Courthouse Mock Trials, several different guided walking tours and tours of the many beautiful historic buildings including enactments. Horse and carriage tours of the town were very popular as was the traditional fairground rides and stalls in the park. Armagh was populated by living history characters, including redcoats, all playing their parts authentically in speech and costume to entertain and engage with the crowds.

      The large collection of festivals stalls, spread throughout the town, provided drink, confectionery, craft items, gifts and a mouthwatering menu of freshly cooked food with something to cater for all tastes. The event gets more popular each year and the cheerful crowds thronging the streets were treated to the sounds of music as brass, silver, pipe and drum bands performed whilst choirs and choral groups demonstrated their skills, gained by many hours of practice and rehearsal. Marie and I became honorary members of the brilliant ‘No Strings Attached’ ukulele band. The after dark Georgian Lightshow lit up the night sky and put everyone in the Christmas spirit. 

     On a cold and bright Sunday morning we gathered for presentations, refreshments, farewells and to thank our hosts  The numberplate draw winners were Mary and Tony Collier and Clare and Seamus Cushenan and FREE Weekend Vouchers were presented to Peter and Marie Johnston, Caryn and Garry Brown also Tony and Mary Collier (a good weekend for them!) Great craic, beautiful City, attentive hosts and a fabulous venue made this a really superb rally. Whatever you did this year Hayley, please do it again next year! 

          Peter and Marie