Cahersiveen Music and Arts Festival is here
NOTHING says summer quite like the Cahersiveen Festival of Music
& Arts which is back bigger and bolder for its 23rd year.
The festival is a celebration of music and culture and no place does culture quite like
Cahersiveen.
The festival takes place from August
3-5 and it lights up the bank holiday weekend.
One of the festival’s strengths is its diversity. It lays on acts for everyone incorporating all ages and tastes over the weekend. Proof of this came in 2017 when it was shortlisted for the Best Cultural Festival Award at The Kerryman Business Awards, and was one of the finalists in the Best Tourism Category. The festival is also proud of its gold award at the Kerry Community Awards.
This year the festival will welcome the 2018 Kerry Rose, Celine O’Shea, who is a native of Cahersiveen. Celine will be in attendance over the weekend to meet and greet people.
Entry to all events, with the exception of the church concert, is by wristbands which costs €15 for adults and €5 for children. These are available to buy on the week prior to the festival in many outlets, at the festival office, and on entry to the live music concerts. The festival begins on Thursday with a Pilgrim Path Walk up Cnoc Na dTobar. The ‘spirit of the forest’ takes place on Thursday afternoon in the library and is an exciting multi-sensory show for children aged 4-12. There’s a tribute to Delia Murphy by her niece Carmel Cullen at the library at 7pm.
Friday sees the ever popular terrier racing, 5km fun run, fancy dress parade, puppets by Dowtcha Puppets, and music with Jolina Carl and Lisa McHugh. Saturday’s teddy bears picnic never disappoints, and neither will the celebratory 60/60 cycle.
The Monster Busking competition plays a huge part in the festival, plus there’s open air social dancing to enjoy. Music with ‘ The Two Mikes’; a Guinness and oysters fest, while the popular Killorglin pipe will make their annual appearance. Children’s fun is also part and parcel of the weekend. There’s plenty of fun at the fair field. The annual football tournament, bridge fishing, kids Olympics, and the von drip duo.
Saturday also sees performances by Dave Birmingham and friends, and Natty Wailer and The Reggae Vibes. The Beentee Walk gets Sunday off to a flyer, as will the mini motor parade, junior top of the rock walk, an open day at the marina, sheaf throwing and tractor pulling – all of which will keep patrons busy for the day. A major concert that’s not to be missed takes place on Sunday in the O’Connell Memorial Church when the National Opera Orchestra, along with Gavan Ring, Tara Erraught, Amy Ní Fhearraigh and conducted by Killian Farrell, will perform. Tickets are €25 and are on sale from the Credit Union, or phone (087 221 1667). The performance starts at 4pm. Later that evening there’s live music with Celtic Vibe and Spring Break. For full listing of events, pick up a brochure or go to www.celticmusicfestival.com