![Things to do in County Laois, Ireland - Portarlington, French Festival - YourDaysOut](/uploads//articleimages/44/thumb44e4c4cb61db9e7dcd3a69897ca153a1.jpg)
**CANCELLED**
"We genuinely hope that the festival can return in the not too distant future but this will be dependent on obtaining the necessary volunteers to organise and run the weekend, to agree suitable locations and to secure the required funding that will enable us to run a festival our town deserves".
In the 17th century Portarlington was known as the Paris of the Midlands a place where French rather than Irish or English was spoken, thanks to an influx of French Huguenot refugees.
The Festival Committee organise this special event each year around Bastille Day which falls on the 14 July.
The town is set ablaze with French and Irish colours and the history and culture are celebrated through all the events that are arranged over the weekend.
The World Snail Eating Competition brings very enthusiastic competitors and visitors. There will also be arts, theatre, workshops, street entertainment, music and dance and a strong man competition.
Perfect for a family weekend of great entertainment and culture!