The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Cahersiveen rocks as music festival celebrates 20 years
ALL ROADS LEAD TO SOUTH KERRY AS THOUSANDS DESCEND ON TOWN FOR MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL
WEATHER wise it was one of the worst August Bank Holiday weekends seen for many years but the dismal wintry climate didn’t put a dampener on celebrations at the Cahersiveen Festival of Music and Arts.
The long running event, which celebrated its 20th birthday this year, is one of the Ireland’s most popular small festivals and thousands arrived in the south Kerry town for the three day event, which got Kerry’s busy August festival season off to a flying start.
Buses into Cahersiveen were packed on Friday afternoon with hundreds of Irish and foreign tourists descending on the town for three days of fun, culture and music.
The highlights of the weekend were performances by Derek Ryan, The Original Rudeboys and AC/DC tribute act Hells Bells who drew thousands to the festival’s main stage each night.
Though the rain and blustery weather did force a few small adjustments to the festival’s packed schedule thankfully the rain held off for much of the event allowing the main gigs to go off as planned.
Of course there was much more than music to be enjoyed over the weekend. Locals and visitors alike were able to enjoy a huge array of events ranging from busking contests, fireworks displays and parades to a soccer tournament, comedy shows and food, arts and crafts.
The busking contest, which saw young musicians taker to the streets in droves on Friday afternoon performing everything from traditional Asian dancing to Irish trad favourites, was, as always tremendously entertaining.
In the Under 12 section first prize went to Jack McCrohan with The Cassidy’s named as best group. Aishling Wharton taking the top prize in the Under 16 solo category and duo Sarah and Kelsey taking the group prize.
The Senior section of the contest the prize went to Abbey Kingdom while the special judges prize went to visiting Norwegian duo Jakob and Jardor.
Festival organisers, now taking a very well earned break before they start preparing for 2016’s landmark 21st anniversary festival, said they were delighted with the success of the event and looking forward to next years festivities.
“Well what can we say. Another great festival! Thanks so much to everyone for supporting us and so the countdown is on Festival 2016.”