Artist Vanessa Daws is creating a gorgeous, aquatic homage to 20th century pioneer swimmer Mercedes Gleitze, with a swim procession from Salthill Ladies Beach to Blackrock on the evening of Saturday 11th June, as the Irish finale to Vanessa’s Swimming A Long Way Together project.

In 1931, on a Sunday 3rd August, Mercedes Gleitze swam from Inis Meáin to Awleen Bay in Spiddal. The 20-mile (as the crow flies) swim took her 19 hours and she was the first swimmer to make this crossing. The intended destination was Salthill 22km away and a large crowd had gathered to wait for her to swim in. To make amends for not finishing in Salthill and disappointing the crowds, Mercedes gave a “demonstration swim” at Salthill the following Tuesday.

Inspired by Mercedes’ demonstration swim, Vanessa Daws is creating this unique swim procession, featuring local swimmers and art installations, accompanied by spoken word from Órla Mc Govern and live music from Big Jelly, Adhoc Choir and Landless, in celebration of Mercedes’ own creativity, accomplishments and joie de vivre.

Come to cheer local swimmers as they start out from Ladies Beach, and then follow the procession from land, along the prom to Blackrock. There will be live music from Big Jelly Band and Landless with contributions from other artists and performers.