Shannonside Winter Music Weekend – 12th to 15th January, 2012
Visitors to Bunratty Castle & Folk Park in County Clare are in for a special treat next weekend when the Folk Park comes alive as a host venue for an all day festival of music on Saturday, January 14th as part of the Shannonside Winter Music Weekend.
John Ruddle, CEO of Shannon Heritage, the Shannon Development subsidiary who manage the Folk Park said: “We are delighted to be part of this year’s Sixmilebridge Winter Music Festival and offer visitors this unique opportunity to experience a diverse range of musical performances in six venues throughout the Folk Park. In addition to our hugely popular Trad Session in Mac’s Pub, visitors can enjoy classical music in the Village Church, explore the vicissitudes of life through the lonesome sounds of Appalachian Bluegrass in the Barn, or listen to the French Canadian influences of Cajun style accordion and fiddle playing in the Castle.”
“This is a wonderful musical event for all the family to enjoy in the relaxed atmosphere of Bunratty Folk Park with its thatched farmhouses, village street, pub and speciality shops, all nestled in the grounds of 15th century Bunratty Castle. Artists performing on the day include Kimber’s Men, Wookalily, I Draw Slow, Gorale Duo, Carrivick Sisters, Mary Stokes Trio, Sarah Savoy and Elatha Classical Trio. The event kicks-off at 11.30 a.m. with a Singer/Songwriter Session which includes a performance by Ger Wolf” Mr Ruddle added.
The Shannonside Winter Music Weekend is organised by the Sixmilebridge Folk Club in County Clare and this is its thirteenth year in existence. Speaking about the event, Brendan Walsh, Festival Director said, “The Winter Music Weekend attracts thousands of visitors every year to Sixmilebridge and the surrounding area. It is a folk festival, a traditional session fleadh, a bluegrass hoedown, a blues jam, a céilidh, all bound by the sheer enjoyment of music. We have musicians from all over the world braving the elements to be here, so do come out a give them a warm Clare welcome.”
This year’s Festival promises to be the most exciting yet with the introduction of the new Concert Trail in Bunratty Castle & Folk Park. Also new for 2012 is the Poetry Evening featuring Belfast-born critic and novelist Fred Johnston, poet Clare Sawtell and The Clare Three-Legged Stool Group. For full details of the 70 events,12 musical genres and 15 venues featured in the Shannonside Winter Music Weekend Official Programme contact the Festival Office at the Courthouse in Sixmilebridge, Co Clare – tel. 061 713605 or checkout the website www.wmw.ie
Great value family tickets are available with music to suit all tastes at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park on Saturday, January 14th - 2 adults and up to 6 children €30; adult admission rate is €12; and a senior ticket costs €9.45. To book visit www.shannonheritage.com or phone Shannon Heritage Reservations at 061-360788. Tickets can also be purchased on the day.
Caption: Visitors to Bunratty Castle & Folk Park in County Clare are in for a special treat next weekend when the Folk Park comes alive as a host venue for an all day festival of music on Saturday, January 14th as part of the Shannonside Winter Music Weekend. Pictured getting in some early practice for the event are (l-r) Catriona Aherne, Niamh Phelan, Daniel Aherne, Brendan Walsh, Festival Director and John Ruddle, Chief Executive, Shannon Heritage.
ENDS
Nandi O’Sullivan
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