Major ‘Gathering’ highlights launched

TWO OF Sligo’s biggest ‘Gathering’ events have been launched.

The annual Cos Cos Sean Nós Festival runs from May 6th to May 12th.

The Benbulben Speaks Festival takes place from August 2nd to August 4th.

Both were formally launched in Collins’s Lounge, Rathcormac, last week.

The Cos Cos Festival has been expanded this year.

It starts on the May Bank Holiday with a Pageant to honour the life of St. Colmcille.

Colmcille had strong connections with North Sligo. He founded a Monastery in Drumcliffe in 574AD.

The colourful Pageant starts in Drumcliffe and drummers, dancers, chanters and various other participants will wind their way to Rathcormac.

It marks the beginning of a week-ling Festival of music, song, dance and storytelling in Rathcormac and Drumcliffe.

Benbulben Speaks is the highlight on the August Bank Holiday weekend.

It features concerts, walks, guided tours with heritage events and displays.

There will be a 5k walk to the foot of ‘Bare Benbulben’ where participants will spell out a choreographed message using coloured panchos.

Organisers of both events were in Collins’s Lounge on Friday night and say they are looking forward to playing their part in The Gathering.