Write a commentTomorrow marks the start of the second annual Iúr Cinn Fleadh - Newry City Music Festival.
The upcoming Festival takes place from 10-13 September and it will put the spotlight on local talent from Newry City and surrounding areas as well as drawing in internationally acclaimed artists from further afield.
The 2015 Iúr Cinn Fleadh is set to feature an extensive ‘Trad Trail’ of early evening and late night music sessions taking place across a range of the city’s pubs and clubs. Hailed as the home of Irish music in Newry, The Railway Bar will host the opening of the Fleadh on Thursday 10th September at 9:30pm sharp.
Saturday’s musical workshops at 11am-1pm will be dedicated those with an interest in trying their hand at traditional Irish musical instruments including the fiddle with 2015 Ulster Champion Ursula Byrne, as well the tin-whistle, banjo, bodhran, and guitar, among others.
Afterwards, a Saturday afternoon street busking entertainment slot at 2-4pm sponsored by The Railway Bar will be held with £100 up for grabs for the best busking performance! This way, budding musicians will have the chance to perform ahead of our Saturday evening headline act, the Hothouse Flowers who started out their career busking on the streets of Dublin.
Well-known singer song-writer Fil Campbell who has built up a loyal folk circuit, mainly across Germany, Holland and Belgium will also be hosting a singing workshop and light lunch served at the Sugar Supper Club.
We are also delighted to have Karen Tweed take part in this year’s festival. Karen will be launching her new CD on Friday 11th September at 6-7pm, the Bank Bar. Karen is a five-time all Ireland Champion on both piano accordion and melodica. She has played around the world, giving concerts in Hong Kong, New Zealand, Australia, Egypt, Scandinavia, Lesotho, Turkey, Japan, the USA and Canada. Karen will also host an adult session workshop.
Representing the festival committee of volunteers, Columba O’Hare, commented:
“Iúr Cinn Fleadh provides the ideal platform for recognising and celebrating the very rich and thriving home-grown musical talent that resides within the Newry, Mourne, Down and South Armagh region. Our long-term ambition is to become a signature festival for Newry and indeed the island of Ireland, north and south. Through the promotion of music, arts and culture, we want to support Newry’s development by advancing community cohesion and spirit while boosting the city’s economic and tourism potential.”
The closing of the fleadh will be celebrated with distinguished headline performance by local Mayobridge man Kieran Goss together with Frances Black at Newry Town Hall.
The 2015 Iúr Cinn Fleadh provides something for everyone – from children right through to older generations. Other event activities include a ‘Taste of Trad’ food festival with a cooking demonstration at Buttercrane Shopping Centre on Saturday 12th September; Irish film, dancing, workshops and ceilis; historical walks; boat trips on Newry Canal; an evening of storytelling with Kevin McAleer, one of Northern Ireland’s finest stand-up comedians; as well as the first ever International Buttermilk Drinking Competition taking place at Buttercrane Shopping Centre on Saturday 12th September.
Tickets for headline acts selling at £22.50 from the Sugar Supper Club, the Customer Service Desk, Buttercrane Shopping Centre or via: www.iurcinnfleadh.com (Tickets bought online will be available for collection at the door)
Hothouse Flowers Tickets can also be bought from Bellinis. Download and Check out the full Event Guide below!
