Hot line-up for Winter Music Weekend

POST-Christmas blues don’t last long in Sixmilebridge and the village is already abuzz with anticipation of the 11th annual Winter Music Weekend, which runs from January 14 to January 17. The programme features acoustic acts of all hues: Irish, bluegrass, blues, country, gypsy, classical and much more, making this intimate festival special to a dedicated regular crowd and a treat for the newcomer.
It’s hard to say what sets it apart for so many visitors but the variety of music and locations, the close link between musicians and the audiences, and the welcome from the locals all help to make this festival unique.
Twelve venues, including the atmospheric courthouse and the comforts of Bunratty Castle Hotel, will host 40 scheduled gigs, sessions and concerts with most of them free.
Top all that off with set ­dancing in the GAA hall and a gospel choir at Sunday mass and the Sixmilebridge ­weekend provides something for music lovers of every taste.
Kicking things off is a concert in the courthouse with the local talent of classical guitarist Brendan Walsh and traditional fiddler, Orla Harrington from Cratloe.
Frankie Gavin with the New De Danann are expected to provide a knockout gig at the Mill Bar on the Friday night and the festival winds up with the equally legendary Shaskeen on Sunday evening.
In between, there’s the likes of Enda Scahill and Paul Brock, Buffalo Gals from the UK, The Rough Deal String Band, Fintan Vallely with John and Tim Lyons, Mad Uncle Harry, Fada from ­Sweden, Txutxukhan from France and the Slovak ­Dulcimer Ensemble, along with many more quality acts.
A full schedule of event details are available from www.wmw.ie