The 2019 North West Macra Kings & Queens Festival takes place on Saturday 19 January in the Sligo Park Hotel, Sligo town, with a royal banquet at 8pm.

The festival, in its 12th year is organised by the North West Macra na Feirme executive committee and is the highlight of the calendar year, welcoming hundreds of members to Sligo.

The day begins on Saturday 19 January as the kings and queens arrive to the Sligo Park Hotel and get to know each other over lunch.

They then have a full afternoon of activities after being matched up with their partner.

The kings and queens will be joined by the 2018 North West Macra King and Queen – Luke McClintock of Donegal and Paula McKiernan of Leitrim.

The couples will be judged on their personalities and their interactions during the day.

Later in the evening, a royal banquet takes place, which includes a four-course meal and entertainment.

Events on the night

The kings and queens will be put through their paces on stage when they will be whittled down to the final three couples with the 2019 winning North West Macra na Feirme king and queen announced at midnight.

They will be presented with €200 each and the coveted crown.

DJ James King of Shannonside FM will entertain the crowd until the early hours of the morning.

Banquet tickets are available at a cost of €30.

Afters tickets are available on the night for €15 for non-members and €10 for members.

Tickets can be purchased through Miriam Lynch 087-256 7883. Rooms are available in the Sligo Park Hotel at a discounted rate. Call 071-919 0400.

For more information on this year’s festival, contact Sharon Corocran on 086-1600395 or Siobhán Gallagher on 087 3748892, email northwestkandq@hotmail.com,or find us on Facebook NorthWest Kings and Queen event.