This summer, Roscommon town will host the best of Irish and international music and culture as part of an expanded Cruinniú sa Chaisleán festival event to take place at the end of August.
Legendary singer songwriter Paul Brady, renowned Irish musicians Matt Molloy, John Carty, and Arty McGlynn, as well as the Celtic Tenors, Bands of the Defence Forces School of Music, and Arcana Drum Corps are all confirmed for the two day event to take place on August 29 and 30 in Roscommon Castle.
Following the huge success of the inaugural Cruinniu sa Chaisleán event in 2008, an expanded schedule to be run over two days is planned for 2009 as part of tourism development in County Roscommon. Set against the stunning backdrop of Loughnaneane Park and located in the intimate surrounds of Roscommon Castle, the fully seated event promises to be a unique spectacle of culture and music combining a local, national, and international flavour, which will attract an audience from near and far.
The first evening will see a combination of music and culture in keeping with the family theme introduced last year. It will incorporate a themed event including a procession of Army bands in keeping with the military tattoo theme suited to the amazing backdrop of Roscommon Castle.
The headline artists on the first evening will include the renowned Celtic Tenors who have established themselves as the most successful classical crossover artists ever to emerge from Ireland. They will be supported by bands of the Defence Forces School of Music as part of the integrated evening of entertainment. Additionally, a special high energy drumming display will be undertaken by Arcana, featuring local drumming hero Johnny Donnelly of The SawDoctors fame. The evening will be rounded off with a specially choreographed fireworks display overlooking Roscommon Castle and Loughnaneane Park.
The second evening will showcase the best of Irish music and heritage, headlined by legendary singer songwriter Paul Brady as part of his ‘Travellin Light’ tour. Support will be provided by the renowned talents of flute-player Matt Molloy, originally from Ballaghaderreen, alongside John Carty and Arty McGlynn, in what promises to be a very special night of traditional and contemporary music culture.
Promoted by Roscommon County Council in association with the Irish Defence Forces, the event is supported by Failte Ireland and is a unique event in the county’s tourism and cultural calendar. In particular, the event is aimed at attracting additional visitors into the region, extending the tourism season and providing greater visibility and use of the fantastic heritage attractions in the county. To this end special packages are being put together with the local hospitality sector, which include a combination of accommodation and tickets for the event at attractive prices.
Individual tickets for the fully seated shows are priced at an affordable rate of €30 for the first evening and €35 for the second evening and are available from Roscommon Arts Centre Box Office, tel (090 ) 6625824 and from local outlets throughout the county. Special concession prices are available for children and OAPs for the first evening which is specially designed as a family-orientated show.
Based on the success of last year’s event, demand is expected to be strong again this year, so people are advised to book early to get their seats for what promises to be another memorable showcase of music and culture in Roscommon Castle. For more information, visit the event website at www.roscommonevents.com
