Write a commentUPDATE: This event has been postponed due to software issues. The new date will be published as soon as the Iúr Cinn Fleadh Committee have the details.
A six-year journey to transform Newry’s historic Albert Basin into a spectacular ‘people’s park’ will reach a major milestone this weekend when people from across the globe attend the city’s first ever Virtual Interactive Fleadh from POSTPONED -----November. Newry.ie is proud to be one of the event supporters.
Hundreds of hours of complex computer coding have gone into creating a wondrous 3D world for 2020 Iúr Cinn Fleadh. Visitors will be able to not only enjoy music by artists from around the world – but also explore a virtual reality representation of Albert Basin reborn.
Everyone is invited to join in the fun at ‘part outdoor concert, part virtual reality and part video game’. Attendees will be able to 'walk' around the venue and talk to fellow festivalgoers in what is described as a completely unique ground-breaking experience.
Designer Cathal McDonnell has spent many weeks constructing the project, supported by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, SRC, Newry BID, Newry.ie, Clive Price Media, Newry 2020, Netcare, McDonnell Art and Granite Exchange.
Local musicians include Matt McGinn – who will perform live on the Saturday night – Newry’s very own The 4 of Us, Conor Mallon and Jack Warnock, Warrenpoint Comhaltas, Traditional Arts Partnership, Aisling McAteer, Justin Toner and Paul Meehan.
Performers from overseas include – Australia’s Jodi Martin, Dylan Foley from the USA, Almost Irish of Denmark and Green Tangerines from Liverpool. The virtual gates open at 7.30pm each night.
The 2020 Iúr Cinn Fleadh runs from 8-10pm POSTPONED. To join in, go to WWW.IURCINNFLEADH.COM where you will find the log-on link and details of optimum viewing requirements.
‘To say we’re excited about this is an understatement,’ said Iúr Cinn Fleadh committee member Neil Bradley. ‘We’ll all be sharing in a six-year vision to transform the Albert Basin into a shared, magnificent, needed, anticipated, people’s park.
‘This is a vision that’s already been supported by more than 11,000 people who backed an online petition and a further 6,000 people who signed a hard copy of the same petition. And this is all being brought to virtual reality this weekend!’
Iúr Cinn Fleadh is an annual traditional Irish music and community festival based in Newry City, County Down, which usually has been held the second weekend in September at various venues throughout the city. It has hosted many local acts as well as famous names such as – Sharon Shannon, Paul Brady, Frances Black, Tommy Sands and Hothouse Flowers.
