Starring role for the Folk Park in Winter Music Festival

THE Shannonside Winter Music Festival, organised by the Sixmilebridge Folk Club, will take place from this Thursday to January 20 with a host of musical talents descending on the village en mass over the long weekend.

For the second year in-a-row, visitors to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park are in for a special treat on Saturday from 12 noon to 5pm when it hosts bluegrass, swing, traditional Irish and classical musical acts throughout the day.

John Ruddle, CEO of Shannon Heritage, which operates Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, said they are delighted to offer visitors the opportunity of experiencing the wonderful acoustics of 15th century Bunratty Castle as well as exploring this wide range of musical genres at venues throughout the Folk Park.

“Initiatives for this year include an improved concert schedule, which will allow visitors access to more musical performances in the one venue, especially welcome if the weather proves inclement. Artists performing during the day include Shaskeen, The Voice Squad, Bending the Strings, Two Time Polka, The Cotter Family and Friends, Tom Cussen and Pat Costello, the Kirby Family, Frank Gallagher and Gerry Clarke, Purely Vocals (USA), Lilly of the West (Bulgaria), Gypsy Rebel Rabble, Special Consensus (USA), and the Diversus Guitar Ensemble,” he said.

Speaking about the event, which attracts thousands of visitors each year, many from overseas, director Brendan Walsh said, “With over 70 events to choose from, there is something to suit everyone’s taste in music. The festival continues to grow and expand and a new concert has been introduced for 2013 to celebrate the life of Doc Watson, Earl Scruggs and Barney McKenna which will take place in the Courthouse, Sixmilebridge at 3pm this Sunday and features Special Consensus from the USA. Also on Sunday there is set dancing with the Johnny Reidy Céilí Band at Bunratty Castle Hotel from 3pm to 6pm.”