You going? Kildare Derby Festival set to be the best yet as it celebrates its 45th year

Now in it’s 45th year, the Kildare Derby Festival is set to be the best yet for 2023 with Nathan Carter heading up the free open-air events that run in the town in association with the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at The Curragh Racecourse.

Running from Monday, June 26, until Sunday, July 2, 2023, the week-long festival has something on offer for all generations including live open-air free music performances, the hugely popular Pooch Parade, a ticketed concert by leading Soprano, Claudia Boyle at the magnificent St Brigid’s Cathedral, the Kildare Derby Racing Legends Museum and much more.

The festival draws to a close on Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Day on Sunday, 2nd July with a post-Derby party in Kildare Square featuring live music from Vegas Nights and special guests.

Full festival details are available at www.kildarederbyfestival.ie.

Commenting ahead of his performance at the festival, Nathan Carter said: "I’m delighted to say that myself and the band are going to be performing a free, open-air concert here in Kildare Town Square as part of the Kildare Derby Festival on Saturday, July 1.

"We’re going to be here after the races so pop down for a great night’s entertainment," he added.

Another highlight of the festival is the annual pop-up Kildare Derby Racing Legends Museum, which has officially opened at The Old Courthouse in Kildare Town and has a unique collection of racing memorabilia, silks, trophies and videos of thoroughbred horses of the past along with information on some of the most famous Irish Derby jockeys and trainers.

This is the fourth year of the museum, which is curated by retired trainer, Jim Kavanagh and features much of his own collection.

The Kildare Derby Racing Legends Museum will open daily from 10am to 4pm until July 23, 2023.

Admission is free.

2023 sees the induction of PJ 'Darkie' Prendergast into the Kildare Derby Festival Hall of Legends at the Museum.

The story of the famous champion horse-training Prendergast family will be available to view at the Kildare Derby Racing Legends Museum. PJ Prendergast takes his place alongside fellow Hall of Legends, Old Vic, Sinndar and jockey, Steve Cauthen.

Speaking of this year’s exhibition and Hall of Fame inductees, Jim Kavanagh, Curator of the Kildare Derby Racing Legends Museum and member of the Kildare Derby Festival Committee, commented: "The Prendergast family is synonymous with Irish racing and it is timely that PJ receives his place in the Hall of Legends. PJ put Irish racing on the map, as the first Irish trainer to win the UK’s Flat Championship three years in a row in 1963, 1964 and 1965.

"He has had a huge impact on Irish racing both as a trainer and a breeder.

"We are delighted to induct PJ into the Kildare Derby Festival Hall of Legends at the Museum for 2023."

Speaking as Chairperson of the Kildare Derby Festival Committee, Orla Murtagh commented: "The Kildare Derby Festival, which has been running since 1978, has gathered an extensive committee of business, cultural and community leaders to create a unique programme of events each year.

"Working closely with Kildare County Council, the Curragh Racecourse and Into Kildare, the 45th anniversary festival is set to be the best yet with free and ticketed events running throughout the week," she added.

For more information on the museum or any of the events happening during Kildare Derby Festival visit www.kildarederbyfestival.ie or search Kildare Derby Festival on Facebook and Instagram.