Cobh Entertains Queen Victoria

With a gross tonnage of 90,000 and a top speed of 16 Knots, Cunard’s cruise ship Queen Victoria brought not only it’s 900 crew members and it’s 2000 passengers to Cobh, it also brought tremendously good weather for the day. Referred to as a ‘Cruise Ship’ as opposed to ‘Ocean Liner’, she berted in Cobh at approximately 10.00am and prior to berthing, Cunard requested a “Wreath Laying Ceremony” at the Lusitania Memorial in Cobh. Captain Paul Wright, Master of the Queen Victoria, on her maiden voyage, laid a wreath along with the Chairman of the Port of Cork. This Ceremony follows the visit of the Queen Mary last year and Cunard wish to make this an annual event.

Westbourne Place was once again transformed into a trading area as market stalls lined the street in front of the Promenade, whilst inside the packed Prom, Cobh’s own ‘Big Band’ were banging out the tunes to the delight of all who’d gathered to listen to this extremely popular band. This band who’s description reads ‘The Big Sound Of Classic Songs’ are without doubt one to keep an eye on. Cobh Edition spoke with several people about the Big Band and received feedback like ‘Fantastic music. Great band. We’ll be here next time they play. Terrific music’. The Big Band have a Facebook page with their contact information and upcoming gigs. Click here: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=195222483237

The children were also entertained with Face Painting by Clowning Around, and Bouncy Castles from Cobh Bouncing Castles  http://www.cobhbouncingcastles.ie

A Bustling Promenade

Cobh & Harbour Chamber’s Kathleen Geary told Cobh Edition ‘I’m thrilled with the turnout and over the moon that we have the weather as well. We’ve had a few of these events over the past few months and the rain just wouldn’t stay away. It’s great to see the town busy like this and I’m especially pleased for local businesses that are open today. I sincerely wish it were like this every day’.

Cobh native Liam Warner who was in town with his daughter told us ‘It’s brilliant to see the town busy again. We’ve just been to the Prom and the placed is packed. Te band are magic too’.

With temperatures rising above 21 degrees, great music, a busy town, children kept busy with free entertainment and the visit of the Queen Victoria I’m sure it will be a day to be remembered.

To conclude: A very well organised great day of entertainment. Well done Cobh Chamber & Cobh Calls.

Anne, Willie. Ted, Eilish, Michael, Mary In Town For The Afternoon