A spectacular Volvo Ocean Race Official Opening Ceremony awaits the fleet and visitors to the Galway Race Village at the Topaz Main Stage on Sunday 24rh May at 22:00. Having battled through rough seas and severe weather conditions, a Cead Mile Failte will be extended to the crews who will have travelled over 35,000 nautical miles to reach Irish shores.

The ceremony will be opened by Cllr Padraig Conneely, Mayor of the City of Galway who will welcome the teams to the Irish port followed by Hector O' hEochagain, who is sure to lead the crowd in giving the 7 skippers of the Volvo Ocean Race fleet to a rousing Irish welcome.

The ceremony will feature the finest of Galway's musicians, brought together to perform on this unique and special occasion. Featuring Mairtin O'Conner and friends, Frankie Gavin, Mary Mc Partland & Co., Sean nos dancer Joe Neachtain, Con tempo quartet, The Galway Tenors, Cois Claddagh Choir and Arcana's Johnny Donnelly and percussionist Noel Eccles these local talents will bring a musical feast to the Galway Volvo Ocean Race Village.

The performance of traditional song and dance set in the backdrop of Galway Bay will be a wonderful display to the International audience of Ireland's strong musical and maritime heritage.

Produced by Arcana, a Galway company renowned for their exhilarating ceremonial productions, the opening ceremony is inspired by one of the most famous Irish Legends and is particular to Galway. The night's finale promises to be a unique extravaganza with an on-water spectacle involving members of the local fishing community and Galway's Blue Teapots with more surprises planned on the night.

Having received a traditional Irish welcome of bonfires along the coastline, a drumming and pyrotechnic fanfare as they crossed the finish line at Mutton Island, followed by a hearty feed of Irish produced food at Galway Harbour the crews of the Volvo Ocean Race have already received a taste of famous Irish hospitality and the opening ceremony will serve as a further indication to the fun and celebrations that can be expected throughout their Galway stay.

As the 8th port of this ocean marathon the crews, Galway has planned two action-packed weeks of sailing, music, spectacle, culture and craic for the teams and their supporters. Running from May 23 - June 6th the event will be the biggest free festival ever to be hosted in Ireland and an expected 200,000 people are expected to visit Galway during the two-week festival.

For full festival details visit www.galwayvolvooceanrace.com

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