Gabby Zmeu of Castle Book Shop, and Michael Murphy of Eureka, at the launch of the Heart of Castlebar Festival 2014 in Cox’s Bar, Linenhall Street. This year’s festival takes place on Saturday, July 5 and coincides with Fleadh Cheoil Chonnacht and the Castlebar International Four Days’ Walks festival. Picture: Alison Laredo Photography

The final countdown is underway to this year's Heart of Castlebar family festival on Saturday, July 5. The heart of the county town will come alive with music, heritage, children's events, food trails, street entertainment and much, much more at the fourth annual Croí Chaisleán an Bharraigh festival. This popular event is a not-to-be-missed event for locals and visitors alike, with street stalls, top class musicians and entertainment for all ages creating a great atmosphere in the town centre. Also taking place over that weekend is the Fleadh Cheoil Chonnacht and the International Four Days' Walks festival ensuring Castlebar will be alive with the sights and sounds of craic agus ceoil with visitors from around the globe.

From 10am on Saturday, July 5, Castlebar's Main Street will be pedestrianised and the market stalls dotted along will be open for business, while you can step back in time to 1920s Ireland as Castle Street (sporting a new ‘roof'!) will play host to vintage cars and all things heritage. Mayo Peace Park committee are hosting a fantastic historical display, along with an exhibition from Mayo County Council, while traditional craftspeople - from weavers and basket-makers to ironmongers - ply their trade on the street. Meanwhile in Hoban's carpark, children's facepainting, the Big Red Fun Bus, puppetry and story-telling with keep the young and the young-at-heart entertained. New to this year's Heart of Castlebar Festival is Foody Tours, an exciting tapas-style food trail, being held on both Saturday and Sunday, showcasing some of the best local produce and unique food and drink Castlebar has to offer (for details and to book tickets, contact Siobhan Foody on 087-1203297 or email siobhanfoody@gmail.com).

CRC and Midwest Radio will be broadcasting live from the festival, with giveaways galore! And of course, make sure to check out the shopping promotions from the local retailers and pick up a bargain or two while you meander through the heart of Castlebar on what promises to be a wonderful, fun-packed family day out.

For regular updates and more information see facebook.com/heartofcastlebar