THERE’S something fishy going on in Strabane this weekend as the first North West Angling Fair gets underway on Saturday May 28th and Sunday May 29th.
Some of the country’s top angling talent is expected to arrive in the town along with a whole host of the UK and Ireland’s greatest fly-dressers, casters and top angling celebrities.
The packed programme of family friendly events will take place from 11am – 5pm each day, organised by Derry City and Strabane District Council. Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Elisha McCallion, said she was looking forward to a fun-filled weekend.
“I think what’s great about the programme is that there’s something for everyone with plenty of activity on the Mourne for the dedicated anglers, and lots of craft activities and junior events for the kids.
“Fishing is such a major contributor in terms of tourism for the local economy and events such as this present the ideal opportunity to showcase the natural beauty of the area and the excellent facilities for anglers.
“There will be a real buzz about the town all weekend and a great crowd is expected, so I would recommend calling to the Melvin Sports Centre for a fantastic afternoon of family entertainment.”
Among the events taking place over the course of the weekend are a series of talks by renowned figures in the fishing world including Ken Whelan, Jason O’Riordan, Pauline McClenaghan and Stevie Munn.
Champion fly-casters will also be available from 11am – 3.30pm to demonstrate and advise on fly-casting techniques and fly-fishing tactics.
Over the two days there will be a massive range of top quality trade stands where you can get advice from the local experts and purchase everything the fly angler and fly dresser needs.
There will also be live cookery demonstrations, virtual angling and birds of prey.
On both Saturday and Sunday outdoor adventure specialists Far and Wild will be running a number of Wild Atlantic Salmon Tours leaving Meeting House Street car park at 10.30am, while the Loughs Agency will be inviting Junior Anglers to try their hand at some casting, fly-tying and mini-beast I.D. delivered by qualified angling coaches from 11am – 5pm.
To find out more about all the weekend’s events just go to www.derrystrabane.com/anglingfair
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