Impressive line-up of concerts planned for Macroom Church of Ireland restoration
Fund
THE Lee Valley Enterprise Board has been busy over recent weeks lining up an impressive line-up of fundraising concerts and shows at the Riverside Park Hotel in Macroom over the coming months.
Enterprise Board spokesman Aidan Finbarr Vaughan said the exiting programme will incorporate “something to suit all tastes.”
“The shows are being run on a voluntary basis with any profits made going back into local projects. These will include the restoration of the former Church of Ireland building in Macroom,” said Aidan.
The Enterprise Board has secured a long-term lease on the de-consecrated church from its owners Cork County Council with the intention of transforming into a visual arts centre incorporating a tourist information office, a Gearagh interpretive centre and a space for musical recitals.
It is estimated that the restoration process will cost in the region of €480,000, with the board embarking on a major fundraising drive to secure the funding needed to complete the project.
“The plan is to create a cultural and tourism facility that will bring huge benefits to the area,” said Aidan.
“We will be sending out email and text updates of all the upcoming shows on a regular basis this autumn. To subscribe for these email Aidan@macroom.ie or call 087 166 3396. Those who sign-up will be entered into a draw with five lucky winners receiving a pair of tickets to a show of their choice,” he added.
The programme will incorporate a number of live concerts offering locals the chance to enjoy performances by some of Ireland’s most popular artists.
These will included concerts by jazz/blues chanteuse Mary Coughlan (September 8), country singer Shawn Cuddy and friends (November 3), the ‘Walking Back to Happiness 60’s/70’s music show (November 11), Aonghus McAnally’s ‘Celebrating Christie Hennessey’ touring show (November 18) and acclaimed trad/pop/ folk group Ruaile Buaile (December 2).
Over the coming days auditions will also be held for two musicals taking place as part of the programme at the Riverside Park in October and November.
The Youth Theatre in Macroom will hold auditions at the hotel this coming Sunday for their production of ‘Grease Lightning’, which will he staged for three consecutive nights from October 6. Young people over the age of 12 from the Lee Valley area are invited to audition for the production by contacting Ann Buckley on email at ann@macroom.ie.
The following Sunday auditions will take place at the hotel for the production of the musical farce ‘Sir Henry’, which will run at the hotel for five performances in late October/early November. The play tells the true story of notorious playboy Sir Henry Browne Hayes, whose actions scandalised Georgian society in the late 18th century.
All are welcome to attend the auditions.
To find out more about these and other events taking place in Macroom over the autumn/ winter season visit www.macroom.ie.