Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) are listed below so if you have any questions hopefully you’ll find them answered here. If not, you can contact us.

Where is the Crawley Irish Festival?

The Crawley Irish Festival takes place at Southgate Playing Fields, Southgate Avenue, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 6HG from 12.00pm - gates open at 11am.

See our Directions page for more information.

Is there disabled access?

All acess to the venue is via ramp. The event takes place over a large grassed area that is freshly cut prior to the festival so mobility for wheelchair visitors should be as it is on freshly mowed grass. In addition, disabled toilets are provided at the venue.

However, it should be noted that the main entrance might be considered steep for some visitors with mobility problems and they may require additional assistance. Stewards will be happy to assist.

How do I enter the Open Dance Competition?

The competition is for experienced Irish Dancers. Individuals can enter on the day from 12.00pm. There is much interest in this event and you are encouraged to be as prompt as possible to be able to ensure participation.

Is there a licensed bar?

Yes, serving a number of beverages including stout, lager, wine and soft drinks. Patrons who may appear to be under the age of 21, in the opinion of bar staff, will be asked for identification.

Is food available?

Yes, a number of hot and cold food stands will be present at the venue.

Can alcohol be taken into the Crawley Irish Festival?

No. For health and safety reasons and under the terms of our license alcohol can not be taken into the Festival site.

What’s available for children?

There will be a free childrens play area on site and entertainers will be on hand. Please see our Family page for more information.

Can fold up chairs be taken into the festival?

Yes. Fold up chairs may be taken into the venue.

Can dogs / bikes / skateboards etc be taken into the festival site?

No. For health and safety reasons, certain items are not permitted onto the site. The gate security will make determinations as to what they may consider unsafe.

Who benefits financially from the Crawley Irish Festival?

The Crawley Irish Festival is a not-for-profit event that hopes to entertain whilst demonstrating aspects of Irish culture. It is run by volunteers who then use proceeds to support other events.

Money raised at the festival pays associated costs involved organising the event. This includes liability insurance, public notices, hire of the venue, waste disposal/clean-up, hire of bands and hire of stages/tents/marques. Whilst logos of local council bodies may appear on advertising for the purposes of funding conditions, they are not responsible for the organisation.

“Profits” from the Crawley Irish Festival fund additional CICS projects (notably the Saint Patrick’s Weekend - a free event but where liability insurance and other expenditure must still be paid). Additional funds will be invested in community projects such as free Irish language classes.

Are there photos available from previous Crawley Irish Festivals?

Yes, there are photos available online for most CICS events from 2004 to 2007 - please take a look at the Photos page on the main CICS website.

What happened to the Crawley Fleadh?

Nothing. It’s moved! The Crawley Fleadh was a week of events leading up to the Crawley Irish Festival that started in 2004 but due to time issues involved in organisation we have moved it to later in the year (October/November) and covered a much wider number of days and events in recent years.

More details about the Crawley Fleadh will be made available in the Festival Programme and online at www.celtic-irish.co.uk.

Who organises the Crawley Irish Festival?

The Crawley Irish Festival is organised by the Celtic and Irish Cultural Society with funding from community sponsors and the Irish Government Dion Fund. See our Sponsors page for more information.