THOSE with a passion for fashion will be in their element on Sunday, August 25, when the Rose of Tralee fashion extravaganza takes place in the Dome.

Hosted by RTE Wanderlust/Treasure Island celebrity Brendan Courtney, the event will showcase the talent of young designers from Limerick College of Art and Design as well as established designers from the Dublin Design Centre.

These include established names like Louise Kennedy, Lyn Mar, Mary Grant, Miriam Mone, Roísin Gartland and Jenny Packman.

Dunnes Stores will also be launching their autumn/winter collection on the night.

A pre-show wine reception starts at

7.30pm and festival organisers promise it will be an evening to remember.

All guests will receive a free gift bag filled with a range of beauty products and will be entered into a draw with the potential to win hotel breaks and clothes vouchers.

Tickets are 20 and doors open at 7pm. Another highlight of the festival week is the Tralee Festival Race Meeting, which kicks off on August 27 coinciding with the festival finale.

This year the craic and excitement at the racecourse on Tuesday is guaranteed to be rivalled by the unforgettable experience of a night in the town with the selection of the new Rose and a host of free street entertainment.

This festive atmosphere permeates the entire six days of the race meeting making the punter and mom-punter alike a most memorable and enjoyable occasion.

One of the highlights for the new Rose in her official capacity it to visit the races on the Wednesday with her fellow Roses.

Two great festivals come together as the Roses bring glamour and style to the day as they mingle with race-goers.

The 2002 Rose presents the trophies to the winning connections after the Rose of Tralee race, with Ladies on Thursday ever popular with those in the know in the fashion stakes.

1,300 in prizes goes to the winner of the Best Dressed Lady competition and Shaws have again sponsored this popular event.

On each day of the races a further 500 can be won in a race card competition as will a 100 clothing voucher.

And a draw to win All-Ireland tickets will be a huge attraction as will the chance to win a 30,000 Mercedes Benz car on the final day.

The presence of Istabraq on Saturday should bring race lovers flocking to the venue as this will be the champion s first appearance since his retirement.

Admission for children is free every day and slides and bouncing castles are provided all during the week so every day is family day.

With the track in prime condition, Tralee races from August 27 to Sunday, September 1 will surely break all records.