Places filling up fast for Arklow Music Festival

Second in size only to the national Fleadh Cheoil, Arklow Music Festival is well known as the launch pad for many talented acts and competitors of all ages enjoy taking part in many categories.

With a whopping 155 individual classes, the festival is a labour of love for the many dedicated volunteers who ensure that it runs smoothly every year, and it takes the entire 12 months to organise.

Solo singing, ensemble music, choral music, instrumental music, piano, wind instrument, verse speaking and action poem are just some of the categories open to competitors.

There are also some prestigious prizes to be won.

The premier overall award, won by Leah Penston in 2016, is the Kennedy Award presented by The Dainty Bakery and the Wadden Bursery or €500 presented by the Wadden Family.

Special overall awards include the Claire Kavanagh Memorial Cup, won in 2016 by the Penston Vocal Academy and the William Redmond Cup won by St Mary’s College Choir, Arklow c/o Mairead McKenna.

Also up for grabs will be the Kevin O’Leary and Andrew Enriquez Memorial Cup presented by Templerainey Youth Fun and the Jackie Kavanagh Cash Award of € 125, which last year was won by Karla Tracey.

The main sponsor for this year’s festival is Bridgewater Centre.

Entry forms are included in the 2017 syllabus which is on sale now for €2.50.

For further information, contact the Festival Office located at 61/63 Main Street in Arklow, on (0402) 32732 or visit the festival website www. arklowmusicfestival.com