Last month saw the announcement of Folkfest, a brand-new festival out of Killarney boasting a varied line-up of contemporary, traditional and alternative folk, happening in the INEC from July 24th to 26th. Hitting a cross-section between modern, “destination” festival and folk weekender, the INEC plays host to four stages over the course of three days, and Folkfest boasts a hugely diverse line-up to satisfy the most eclectic of folk connoisseurs.
On top of a Main Stage and a Ballroom stage that will house the headliners and old faves, the Acoustic Club stage plays host to intimate, contemporary performances from, among others, The Unthanks, while The Gathering stage showcases talent from Co. Kerry all day long.
Acts announced include, as mentioned, The Unthanks, Luka Bloom, desert-rock legends Tinariwen (pictured), Begley & Cooney, Tim Eriksen, Druce & Jones, and a once-off reunion show from one of Irish folk’s most influential outfits in Moving Hearts on the Saturday night, featuring Dónal Lunny, Davy Spillane, Keith Donald, Noel Eccles, Anto Drennan, Liam Bradley, Eoghan O’Neill, Graham Henderson and “very special surprise guests”.
Speaking on the festival’s announcement, was programmer Conor Byrne: “Putting together a programme for the first Folkfest is very exciting for me and everyone involved. We are very much about catering for artists and audience, in a way never seen before! Rest assured, this will be one of the best musical experiences for everyone involved, and our endeavour is to see you back at Folkfest every year!” INEC head Patrick O’Donoghue chips in: “We are thrilled to announce this fantastic line-up of artists, Folkfest will be an amazing celebration of music and it builds our tradition of hosting wonderful events here in Killarney all year round.”
With a strong and diverse line-out, and boasting the requisite line-up of non-music events on the side including an artisan food village and outdoor pursuits, Folkfest 2015 is looking like a strong start to a new addition to Ireland’s bustling and varied festival calendar. Mike McGrath-Bryan
Tickets on sale now from www.inec.ie and www.ticketmaster.ie.
