Musicians and traditional music lovers from all over the Country will converge on the East Galway village of New Inn this weekend for the annual Mummers Festival , which takes place on this Saturday Jan 4 at 7.30 p.m, and Sunday afternoon Jan 5 at 2.30 p.m. in the local Leisure Centre.
The senior section of the Festival is being staged as usual on Saturday night , while on Sunday afternoon a new juvenile competition for under 13s, and the Junior event for under 18s, takes place. The new Juvenile competition is designed to encourage the young entertainers to get involved with the festival, and keep the tradition alive.
This is the 36th annual hosting of the Mummers Festival in New Inn, and it continues to grow in popularity due to the variety and quality of talened performers who participate.
Patrons visiting New Inn this weekend will be treated to a feast of music, song, dance and storytelling from top class performers . Most of the old favourites are confirmed to perform again this year and last year’s winners Cairde Mummers and Kilnadeema will be defending their titles. A new group from Co Laois is expected and the Rahan Group from Co Offaly will be there when a special award is presented in memory of the late Joe Monahan, who starred for many years at the Festival.
The local area will be represented by groups from New Inn, Kilconnell and Ballymacward.
While the emphasis is very much on participation at the Mummers Festival, the competitive element adds to the excitement. Every senior group wants to lift the Peter Donohue Perpetual Trophy, and as well as prizes for the winning group, there is recognition for exceptional individual performances .The best musician, dancer, flute player, singer, storyteller , as well as “ The Most Outstanding Entertainer “ will be recognised n all categories .
The New Inn Mummers Festival has been entertaining patrons for 36 years and the Festival Committee are optimistic for the future of the event given the amount of new talent emerging every year .
Festival Secretary Michael Finnerty says that all plans are now in place for Festival 2014 , which will bring the curtain down on the Christmas/New Year Festivities.
“We are expecting an entertaining and competitive festival again this year,” he said.
If you enjoy traditional music, song, dance and storytelling , the place to be this Saturday night and Sunday afternoon is New Inn. The Festival Committee look forward to welcoming you and they guarantee an enjoyable and competitive event in the comfortable surroundings of the local Community Centre .
