Crowds are expected to converge on Newcastle West this weekend when the town plays hosts to the Heineken Westfest. Festivities get underway on Wednesday evening and five fun filled days will conclude on Sunday evening with the big event, the Knights of Desmond Final.

It all kicks off on Wednesday evening from 7p.m.-9p.m. in the Courtenay Lodge Hotel, where a Fashion Show/Business Showcase will be held.  Apart from all the style on the catwalk, there will be many stands to browse through where there will be free make-overs and facials, while local restaurants will have samples of their food.

Thursday will see the official opening of Westfest at 7.00 p.m. when there will be lots of open air events, such as the barman’s race, stretcher race and slow bicycle race. At 7.00 p.m. the Knights of Desmond will be introduced to the public.

On Friday at 7.00 p.m., Hector will interview the Knights of Desmond, and  at 8.30p.m. it’s the turn of Kopy Kat Killers to take the stage.

Saturday’s events will kick off at 1.00 p.m. with a Duck Race, and from 2-4p.m. there will be a Zumbathon. The craic on the street should be mighty from 2-5p.m. with face painting, a puppet show and street entertainment, and those brave enough can for a ride on the Rodeo bull.

The Grand National Donkey Derby takes place on Saturday at 5.00 p.m. in the Demesne.

Later in the evening at 8p.m. Mundy will take the stage and he will be preceded at 7p.m. by the Micheal O’Brien Show.

Sunday will be a big family day at Westfest, with a BBQ and Family Fun Day in the G.A.A. field, plus music by local bands and a D.M. from 1-5p.m. Trolley Dash and Rodeo Bull events will take place from 6-7.30p.m. and at 8.00 p.m. the big event, the Knights of Desmond Final will take place. Music for this gig will be provided by Gaga4Pink.