The annual Crosshaven Redhead Convention takes place in Ireland this weekend and it promises fun for everyone
The festival, which is specifically for gingers, has already united around 1,000 people from all across the world
A FESTIVAL for redheaded people has got underway in Ireland this weekend with over 1,000 arriving to celebrate their ginger hair.
Crosshaven in County Cork, Ireland, is hosting the seventh annual Redhead Convention and it promises a "fun filled weekend of freckles and frolics".
The festival has various events, including ginger speed dating, carrot tossing championships and competitions for the most porcelain skin.
The convention originally started as a joke between two siblings but over the years it has turned into a major event run by 50 volunteers.
Joleen Cronin and her brother Denis thought up the idea while they were in the pub and have described the event as an "empowering and life-changing experience."
"I'm really excited about this unique Irish gathering of redheads from across the globe. It is a coming together of friends new and old," she said.
"I love that we all share common experiences as redheads and there is an understanding and camaraderie as we all stand together.
"'For once we are the majority in the crowd and to be a part of that is an incredible, fun, empowering and life-changing experience."
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The event runs from August 19 to August 21 and it's become a very popular event for redheaded people.
In addition to the carrot tossing, there are also prizes for the best ginger beard and the coronation of the new King and Queen of the Redheads.
As well as members of the public, a number of auburn-haired performers make an appearance, including Miles Graham, Orla Gartland and Gary Lamont, star of Scottish soap opera River City.
And incredibly, in the seven years of existence, the event has raised more than £25,000 for the Irish Cancer Society.
