four page guide to Fleadh, Feis and
Festival FARE WIN S TICKEinTsbury Park
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THINK festivals in Britain and the names Glastonbury, Reading or even the Cambridge Folk Festival might spring to mind. But festivals in Ireland operate in an entirely different universe from anywhere else. A festival on the left hand side of the Irish Sea bears no relation to the Morris dancing of Cambridge or the opera singing at Glyndebourne. For a start, an Irish festival isn’t just about the diversion it’s set up to celebrate — music, horse-racing, comedy,
whatever — it belongs to the town where it’s being held. So the festivities become a far broader and more inclusive experience than you’re likely to come across elsewhere in Europe. As well as indulging in the chosen discipline (music, reading, drinking) the festival becomes part of the whole community. Whether your interests lie in comedy, music, theatre, opera, busking, drama, film, food — or merely getting quietly drunk —
you’ll find a gathering to suit your taste. Over the last few years you may have noticed that there’s been a revolution in Irish food — the Tuck of the Irish is unrecognisable from what it was even a couple of decades ago. The spread of cuisine culture in a country where a fish supper was the only food served anywhere outside Dublin until the Constitutional amendment of 1982 has been truly astounding. But now there are even whole festivals
dedicated to ‘international fare’. The Kinsale International Festival of Fine Food (October 10 to 12) gives you every opportunity for gourmet guzzling, with everything from local produce to haute cuisine served. The Kinsale motto could well be, “There’s no smoke without salmon”, but inexplicably it isn’t. Ireland has been accused of having many ‘unique’ things. But in reality, we’re on a par with many countries — our scenery is beautiful, but then so is Switzerland’s, our
music is no better than Scotland’s, our literature equalled by many European countries. But the craic — that’s another thing altogether. Conviviality of a higher order than you’ll find in most other places really does exist here, and festivals are a craictastic place to experience it. And you get entertainment thrown in as well! Everything from major acts to minor chords, from high opera in Wexford to street artists in Galway. You’re sure to find something to entertain you.
Fleadh, Feis and Festival Fare
Cape Clear Island International Storytelling Festival
Cavan will surprise you again! P
REPARATIONS are well underway for Fleadh 2011 which is again being held in Cavan from August 13 to 22. As this is the sixtieth anniversary of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, there will be special events taking place around the country, the principal being a unique exhibition in the County Museum Ballyjamesduff from mid-July. This year’s Fleadh is being put in place with over 200 different events. Many of Ireland’s best loved performers from music, dancing, singing and street theatre will be in Cavan for this compelling cultural event. In its second year of hosting the prestigious event Cavan will continue to offer a rich traditional music experience, with a programme that is based on the spirit and heritage of the Fleadh. The Irish language and cultural tradition will again come alive and will be shared with a global audience through the presence of many media representatives from press, radio and television. Among those who will perform at Cavan 2011 are: USA band, Cherish the Ladies, Leitrim fiddler, Brian Rooney in a celebration of the Godfathers music, with John Carty and
Friends. Willie Drennan and The Ulster Scots Folk Orchestra, singer Len Graham, The Pride of New York band, Beoga, Tim O’Brien USA, singer Susan McKeown, The Michael McGoldrick Big Band, singer Roisín O’Reilly, The Howarth Arts group from Britain and the famous Cullybackey. The build-up to this year’s Fleadh started with a fundraising concert in Dublin’s Harcourt Hotel on April 18 where many well-known traditional performers — Sean Ó Sé, Dave Sheridan, John Carty, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh and All-Ireland Bodhran Champion Niall Preston amongst many gave their time for a most enjoyable evening. Mórtas an Chabháin will again deliver a programme of historical, artistic and cultural events with lectures throughout Co. Cavan, commencing on June 6 in Swanlinbar and thereafter at other venues up to and during the Fleadh. Cork Midsummer Festival — June 11-26 Cork will be transformed into an urban playground this June, when the Cork Midsummer Festival brings the city’s places and spaces alive. Whether in the theatre, at a gig, or unexpectedly
on the street, this 16-day cultural ride will celebrate the best in contemporary arts and culture from both Ireland and abroad. The festival team are busy putting the finishing touches to the programme, finding those
non-traditional venues that make the festival so exciting. The must see events are all firsts for Cork, and can be booked from the Cork Midsummer Festival website www.corkmidsummer.com.
Part of the festival crowd getting in the swing of things.
Renowned American musician and performance artist Laurie Anderson performs in Cork for the very first time in the city’s new space, Triskel Christchurch, presenting her spellbinding retrospective show
Transitory Life. Then the eccentric and charming 10-piece band Penguin Café continue the musical journey with the celebrated Penguin Café Orchestra, who created quirky global melodies from harmoniums found in the street. From acclaimed theatre company Corn Exchange comes the premiere of the astonishing one-man action adventure, The Man of Valour. For more information on the Cork Midsummer Festival visit www.corkmidsummer.com , email: info@corkmidsummer.com or call 00 353 21 4215131. Cape Clear Island International Storytelling Festival September Friday 2-Sunday 4 Enjoy superb storytelling and music in Cape Clear’s spectacular scenic surroundings. Situated off the South West Coast of Ireland, this renowned weekend is now in its 17th year. The festival offers a mix of international fame and multicultural diversity, suitable for all ages and nationalities. The atmosphere is relaxed and easy going, and the background of the island’s stunning scenery viewed from the different venues, promotes a festival of unique standing in the world of storytelling.
Amongst those taking part will be the renowned singer, songwriter, rhythm guitarist, lambeg drum and bodhran player Roy Arbuckle. People with long memories will remember Roy from his early days with showbands and in the ’70s with folk band Chaff. He moved to North America in 1978 and toured extensively with Fiddlers Elbow and later The Rambling Boys of Pleasure. Roy returned to his native Derry in 1985 and as well as performing solo became involved with many community arts and community development projects around the North West of Ireland. Also featuring will be four-time Grammy award winner and veteran performer on stage and television David Holt. Kate Corkery, the award winning storyteller in residence at the Irish Cultural Centre in London will also be taking part. She runs the Around the fire storytelling club. Shelia Stewart, one of Scotland’s great traditional singers and probably the last in the line of rich oral tradition of storytelling and songs from Scotland’s Traveller culture will also feature as will Graham Langley who was recently described as “A storyteller for the 21st century.”
An Aoine 2 – Domhnach 4 Meán Fómhair 2011 Friday 2nd – Sunday 4th September 2011 Cape Clear Island, Cork, South West of Ireland Enjoy superb storytelling and music in Cape Clear’s spectacular scenic surroundings. Blending the old with the new, each year five professional storytellers are invited to perform in this now renowned international storytelling festival. 2011 Artists: Roy Arbuckle David Holt Kate Corkery Sheila Stewart Graham Langley Website: www.capeclearstorytelling.com Contact: director@capeclearstorytelling.com
A bodhran player entertains at the Fleadh Cheoil na Éireann.
11–26 JUNE A FESTIVAL OF POPULAR AND CONTEMPORARY ARTS IN IRELAND’S SUNNY SOUTHERN CITY. CHECK OUT THE WEBSITE FOR FULL PROGRAMME OF EVENTS AND ACCOMMODATION OFFERS.
CORKMIDSUMMER.COM
Fleadh, Feis and Festival Fare
Cape Clear Island International Storytelling Festival
Cavan will surprise you again! P
REPARATIONS are well underway for Fleadh 2011 which is again being held in Cavan from August 13 to 22. As this is the sixtieth anniversary of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, there will be special events taking place around the country, the principal being a unique exhibition in the County Museum Ballyjamesduff from mid-July. This year’s Fleadh is being put in place with over 200 different events. Many of Ireland’s best loved performers from music, dancing, singing and street theatre will be in Cavan for this compelling cultural event. In its second year of hosting the prestigious event Cavan will continue to offer a rich traditional music experience, with a programme that is based on the spirit and heritage of the Fleadh. The Irish language and cultural tradition will again come alive and will be shared with a global audience through the presence of many media representatives from press, radio and television. Among those who will perform at Cavan 2011 are: USA band, Cherish the Ladies, Leitrim fiddler, Brian Rooney in a celebration of the Godfathers music, with John Carty and
Friends. Willie Drennan and The Ulster Scots Folk Orchestra, singer Len Graham, The Pride of New York band, Beoga, Tim O’Brien USA, singer Susan McKeown, The Michael McGoldrick Big Band, singer Roisín O’Reilly, The Howarth Arts group from Britain and the famous Cullybackey. The build-up to this year’s Fleadh started with a fundraising concert in Dublin’s Harcourt Hotel on April 18 where many well-known traditional performers — Sean Ó Sé, Dave Sheridan, John Carty, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh and All-Ireland Bodhran Champion Niall Preston amongst many gave their time for a most enjoyable evening. Mórtas an Chabháin will again deliver a programme of historical, artistic and cultural events with lectures throughout Co. Cavan, commencing on June 6 in Swanlinbar and thereafter at other venues up to and during the Fleadh. Cork Midsummer Festival — June 11-26 Cork will be transformed into an urban playground this June, when the Cork Midsummer Festival brings the city’s places and spaces alive. Whether in the theatre, at a gig, or unexpectedly
on the street, this 16-day cultural ride will celebrate the best in contemporary arts and culture from both Ireland and abroad. The festival team are busy putting the finishing touches to the programme, finding those
non-traditional venues that make the festival so exciting. The must see events are all firsts for Cork, and can be booked from the Cork Midsummer Festival website www.corkmidsummer.com.
Part of the festival crowd getting in the swing of things.
Renowned American musician and performance artist Laurie Anderson performs in Cork for the very first time in the city’s new space, Triskel Christchurch, presenting her spellbinding retrospective show
Transitory Life. Then the eccentric and charming 10-piece band Penguin Café continue the musical journey with the celebrated Penguin Café Orchestra, who created quirky global melodies from harmoniums found in the street. From acclaimed theatre company Corn Exchange comes the premiere of the astonishing one-man action adventure, The Man of Valour. For more information on the Cork Midsummer Festival visit www.corkmidsummer.com , email: info@corkmidsummer.com or call 00 353 21 4215131. Cape Clear Island International Storytelling Festival September Friday 2-Sunday 4 Enjoy superb storytelling and music in Cape Clear’s spectacular scenic surroundings. Situated off the South West Coast of Ireland, this renowned weekend is now in its 17th year. The festival offers a mix of international fame and multicultural diversity, suitable for all ages and nationalities. The atmosphere is relaxed and easy going, and the background of the island’s stunning scenery viewed from the different venues, promotes a festival of unique standing in the world of storytelling.
Amongst those taking part will be the renowned singer, songwriter, rhythm guitarist, lambeg drum and bodhran player Roy Arbuckle. People with long memories will remember Roy from his early days with showbands and in the ’70s with folk band Chaff. He moved to North America in 1978 and toured extensively with Fiddlers Elbow and later The Rambling Boys of Pleasure. Roy returned to his native Derry in 1985 and as well as performing solo became involved with many community arts and community development projects around the North West of Ireland. Also featuring will be four-time Grammy award winner and veteran performer on stage and television David Holt. Kate Corkery, the award winning storyteller in residence at the Irish Cultural Centre in London will also be taking part. She runs the Around the fire storytelling club. Shelia Stewart, one of Scotland’s great traditional singers and probably the last in the line of rich oral tradition of storytelling and songs from Scotland’s Traveller culture will also feature as will Graham Langley who was recently described as “A storyteller for the 21st century.”
An Aoine 2 – Domhnach 4 Meán Fómhair 2011 Friday 2nd – Sunday 4th September 2011 Cape Clear Island, Cork, South West of Ireland Enjoy superb storytelling and music in Cape Clear’s spectacular scenic surroundings. Blending the old with the new, each year five professional storytellers are invited to perform in this now renowned international storytelling festival. 2011 Artists: Roy Arbuckle David Holt Kate Corkery Sheila Stewart Graham Langley Website: www.capeclearstorytelling.com Contact: director@capeclearstorytelling.com
A bodhran player entertains at the Fleadh Cheoil na Éireann.
11–26 JUNE A FESTIVAL OF POPULAR AND CONTEMPORARY ARTS IN IRELAND’S SUNNY SOUTHERN CITY. CHECK OUT THE WEBSITE FOR FULL PROGRAMME OF EVENTS AND ACCOMMODATION OFFERS.
CORKMIDSUMMER.COM
Fleadh, Feis and Festival Fare Dates for your diary…
The Feis, Finsbury Park (June 18-19) HELD on the weekend of June 18 the Feis in Finsbury Park will celebrate 21 years of the best Irish and international music and will see an exclusive UK performance by Bob Dylan on Saturday and Van Morrison will be headlining on the Sunday. There is also an exclusive appearance from the newly reformed Irish rock band The Cranberries from Limerick. Other acts include Christy Moore, Imelda May, The Saw Doctors, The Waterboys, The Undertones, Shane MacGowan, Sharon Shannon Big Band, Hothouse Flowers, Thin Lizzy and The Fureys (for full line-up and how to purchase tickets, see
page five). Vince Power, founder of the Mean Fiddler Group, Hop Farm Music Festival and operator of Benicassim Festival, was responsible for 13 Fleadh festivals at Finsbury Park, which was a staple on the London music calendar from 1990 until 2004. Continuing on from where the Fleadh left off, London Feis steps in with a fresh outlook: Irish in flavour, international in reach. Vince has hosted some of the biggest names in Irish and international music and the London Feis will be a celebration of some of the acts which he has worked with over the years.
WATERFORD SPRAOI Friday, July 29 – Monday, Aug 1 Waterford City www.spraoi.com
DUBLIN HORSE SHOW Wednesday, Aug 3 to Sunday, Aug 7 Dublin www.rds.ie
Wychwood Music Festival (June 3-5)
Saturday, Aug 29 - Sunday, Oct 3 Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare www.matchmakerireland.com
HILLSBOROUGH OYSTER FESTIVAL
PUCK FAIR
Thursday, Sept 1 – Sunday, Sept 4 Hillsborough, Co. Down www.hillsboroughoysterfestival.com
Wednesday, Aug 10 to Friday, Aug 12 Killorglin, Co. Kerry www.puckfair.ie
CLARENBRIDGE OYSTER FESTIVAL
MERRIMAN SUMMER SCHOOL Bob Dylan to play The Feis.
LISDOONVARNA MATCHMAKING FESTIVAL
Wednesday, Aug 17 to Wednesday, Aug 24 Venue tbc www.merriman.ie
FLEADH CHEOIL NA HÉIREANN Saturday, Aug 13 – Thursday, Aug 22 Cavan Town www.comhaltas.com
Friday, Sept 9 – Sunday, Sept 11 Clarenbridge, Co. Galway www.clarenbridge.com
NATIONAL PLOUGHING CHAMPIONSHIPS Tuesday, Sept 20 – Thursday, Sept 22 Athy, Co. Kildare www.npa.ie
GALWAY OYSTER FESTIVAL Thursday Sept 22 – Sunday, Sept 25 Galway City www.galwayoysterfest.com
The Puck Fair in Killorglin, Co. Kerry.
CORK JAZZ FESTIVAL Friday, Oct 28 - Monday, 31 Cork City www.corkjazzfestival.com
BANKS OF THE FOYLE HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL Friday, Oct 28 – Monday, Oct 31 Derry
WEXFORD OPERA FESTIVAL Friday, Oct 21 – Saturday, Nov 5 Wexford www.wexfordopera.com
WATERFORD INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF LIGHT OPERA
ROSE OF TRALEE
BALLINASLOE HORSE FAIR
Friday, Aug 19 – Tuesday, Aug 23 Tralee, Co. Kerry www.roseoftralee.ie
Saturday, Oct 1 – Sunday, Oct 9 Ballinasloe, Co. Galway www.ballinasloe.com
OUL’ LAMMAS FAIR
DUBLIN THEATRE FESTIVAL
CORK INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Saturday, Aug 27 - Tuesday, Aug 30 Ballycastle, Co. Antrim E-mail: ballycastletic@hotmail.com
Thursday, Sept 29 - Sunday, Oct 16 Dublin www.dublintheatrefestival.com
Sunday, Nov 6 – Thursday, Nov 13 Cork City www.corkfilmfest.org
Wednesday, Nov 2 – Sunday, Nov 13 Waterford City www.waterfordfestival.com
The Charlatans are set to play the Wychwood Music Festival. THE Wychwood Music Festival returns for its’ 7th year at Cheltenham Racecourse this June. Nominated Best Family Festival in Britain Festival Awards every year, with reduced prices for students, concessions, teenagers and under 5s free! Wychwood is widely regarded as the UK’s best family friendly festival because of the importance placed on the
younger festival goer. The Workshop programme is unique to Wychwood offering group learning in Kite Making, Drama, Yoga for Children and drumming. This years Wychwood Festival is set to be the best yet with more than 100 acts across indie, world and folk genres. The line-up includes the likes of the legendary Robin Hitchcock, The
Charlatans, Cornershop, Mike Scott’s The Waterboys, Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull, BRIT Award winner Eddi Reader; loved indie rockers The Bluetones, Wychwood Favourites Transglobal Underground, hotly tipped Delta Maid and many more. Tickets are on sale now. Please visit www.wychwoodfestival.com for more information.
WIN TICKETS…WIN TICKETS…WIN TICKETS…WIN TICKETS… The Christians
The Feis in Finsbury Park will take place on the 18 and 19 June
Bob Dylan is headlining on Saturday and Van Morrison on Sunday
Cheltenham Racecourse June 3-5 Billed as Britain’s most family-friendly festival, it is a delightful mixture of music and comedy with plenty to entertain both adults and children. A selection of the music acts over the weekend are; The Christians, The Charlatans, Eddi Reader, Bluetones and The Waterboys. Some of the names on the comedy line-up are Ray Peacock, Matt Richardson and Iszi Lawrence.
Other acts confirmed are; Christy Moore, The Cranberries, Imelda May, The Saw Doctors, Mary Coughlan, Camille O’Sullivan and Hothouse Flowers and many, many more. For the full line-up see page five. As media partner to the Feis we have been given
WE HAVE TWO PAIRS OF WEEKEND TICKETS UP FOR GRABS, EACH PAIR WORTH £230
FOUR PAIRS OF WEEKEND TICKETS
For your chance of winning simply answer the following question: Which world-famous racecourse does the Wychwood Festival take place at? You can enter the competition via our usual email address; competitions@irishpost.co.uk, please ensure you include your name, address and contact number and use the subject header ‘Wychwood’. Alternatively you can post your entry to: Wychwood Competition, The Irish Post, First Floor, West Wing, 26-28 Hammersmith Grove, Hammersmith W6 7HA. All entries must be received before 5pm on 1 June 2011. Good luck!
If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning a pair of weekend tickets worth £240, simply answer the following question: The Feis is celebrating a significant anniversary this year – please tell us which one? You can enter the competition via our usual email address; competitions@irishpost.co.uk, please ensure you include your name, address and contact number and use the subject header ‘Feis’. Alternatively you can post your entry to: Feis Competition, The Irish Post, First Floor, West Wing, 26-28 Hammersmith Grove, Hammersmith W6 7HA. All entries must be received before 5pm on 1 June 2011. Good luck!
Tickets are available by visiting the official website: www.wychwoodfestival.com or by calling the festival office on 01993 772580.
for our lucky readers.
Matt Richardson