Irish tall tales set to colour Glebe

Tell tales and taller yarns will be told at this year’s Glebe St Fair, which is set to attract over 100,000 people on Sunday.

Bed and breakfast owner Ellen Gowan has written a monologue on the collection of guests who have visited her over 22 years on the west coast of Ireland. Tall Tales and Yarns from an Irish Bed and Breakfast will be performed at Glebe’s Junktique store from 3pm.

“It’s the fulfillment of a lifetime dream, it’s not easy performing my own work. I am too critical and I feel the work is never good enough,” Ms Gowan said. “I keep pushing on with my work because I realise that if I don’t do it now, I’ll miss my chance.”

The Glebe Chamber of Commerce offered Ms Gowan the use of its Artist in Residence studio during the production of her play.

“After a long slog working in the tourist trade and raising four wonderful children, it feels like I’m finally seeing the fruits of my hard labour,” she said.

Ms Gowan has performed artistically in her home country of Ireland for 20 years.

“I ask some of my guests who are a similar age, ‘how does one retire?’ I can’t seem to manage it,” she said.

Ms Gowan’s daughter, Roselle, is this year’s Glebe St Fair Creative Director.

“It will be a moving feast of colour and movement,” Roselle said.

The day will include more than 40 events, including brain surgeon Dr Charlie Teo leading a team of bagpipes in a parade down the street. A tug of war competition will take place on the day as a fundraiser for the event’s charity partner, the Cure for Life Foundation.

“We’re inviting people to be part of Sydney’s funkiest neighbourhood, to pick up a few bargains on the day and to have great family day out,” Roselle said.

The day will feature a church concert of classical music created by Supreme Court judge turned composer, George Palmer. For the first time, the 2012 fair will feature prizes for the best-dressed stall, and best-dressed stallholder.

Glebe St Fair runs from 10am to 5pm on Sunday.