The annual mummer’s festival which takes place in New Inn, Ballinasloe, on Saturday night has been hailed as a significant traditional event in the country’s entertainment calendar which has developed over the past three decades.
Festival chairman Michael Mullins says groups from Co Galway and outside the area will provide a “feast of entertainment” to patrons supporting the event which is in its 32nd year and will take place at the leisure centre.
He says the postponement of the festival due to the bad weather forced the organising committee to condense the event into one night.
“This means that both the senior and junior competitions will be staged on Saturday night. This will result in an enlarged programme which will commence at 7pm and go on until late.
“Patrons visiting New Inn can expect a feast of traditional music, song, dance and storytelling with top class entertainers participating with the various groups. It is expected that up to seven shows will be staged on Saturday night including groups from Lackagh, Rahan, Fohenagh and a local New Inn group.”
Festival secretary Michael Finnerty says the groups are confirmed and rumours of new talent emerging is adding to the anticipation.
“If you are a lover of traditional music, song, dance and storytelling - the venue to be at is New Inn on Saturday night. Every festival in New Inn produces star performers,and over the years many of those first spotted at the Mummers event went on to national and international stardom.”
