A wonderful, full-colour celebratory book to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the unique event that is The Rose of Tralee International Festival. The Rose selection reaches a television audience of millions, as well as attracting thousands of people to Tralee.

T. Ryle Dwer's lyrical text traces the history of the Rose and is packed full of fascinating detail on the events that accompany the Festival, from the donkey derbies and Tug-o-Wars of yesteryear, to the spectacular fireworks and street celebrations of today's Festival. Over 200 photographs will record the crowds, the supporters, the Rose parades, the personalities, with nostalgic shots of Festivals past.

Everything is here: the Newbridge Silver crown, the dresses, the displays of talent - from slip jigs to humorous verse; the escorts, the comperes, the venues.

There is a listing of every entrant for the past fifty years and the country/county she represented, as well as details and a picture of each of the winning Roses.

The 2009 Rose of Tralee Festival is on soon - check out www.roseoftralee.ie for more details!