Celebrations for the 30th anniversary of the Lady of the Lake got off to a great start on Monday night with one of the biggest crowd's in the Festival's history turning out for the official opening.

"It was absolutely brilliant, everything went well and we even had the weather," reported the Festival Secretary, Mary O'Brien yesterday.

A number of invitation bands graced the occasion, including Drumharvey Pipe Band, Enniskillen Pipe Band, Trillick Pipe Band, Brookeborough Band and The Barr Jubilee Band along with the Girls and Boys Brigades.

"Last year's lady Aisling McCaffrey arrived first," Mary reported. "Then Miss Northern Ireland Judith Wilson arrived in a donkey and cart which was done up lovely for the occasion. Then our new Lady of the Lake arrived in a pony and trap and she was unveiled as Emma Flack."

And she was well received.

"You should have heard the cheers and roars for Emma when she was unveiled", Mary went on. " it was great. She works in Belfast but also works part-time in the Spar shop here and is a very popular young girl."

Comedian Gene Fitzpatrick was on hand to provide the jokes at the event while there was also plenty of street entertainment.

"The Relay for Life parade was particularly moving. It is a cancer charity organisation which was set up a few years back and one which it is hoped to set up in Irvinestown next year. The parade had people from all over who had survived from cancer marching through the crowds. There were some people in cars who were not fit to walk, but they had still survived cancer. It was very moving and there were a lot of tears shed.

"There was plenty of activities on the street', Mary O'Brien added, " such as face painting and bouncy castles, you name it, it was there. The weather really stood to us and I've never seen as big a crowd in the town. It was stuffed, absolutely brilliant."

Festivities continued throughout the evening with an oriental barbecue, festival bingo and 'Irvinestown's Got Talent'

The latter was held in Peter Gallagher's and the craic was mighty. There were stars and bells to ring. It will be held every night with an overall final in the Delaney Suite on the 24rd with some great prizes."

The Festival continued yesterday with the presence of singer Hugo Duncan and the annual Bawnacre Teddy Bear's party and picnic, a cocktail competition and a treasure hunt.

Today, meanwhile marks the 100th Anniversary of the Irvinestown Trustees and, to celebrate there will be a country food and craft fair. Later this evening there will be a charity 10k run in aid of Cancer United.