Plans are in place for the hosting of the annual New Inn Mummers Festival event in the local Leisure Centre on January 2 and 3. This will be the 38th annual staging of this unique festival of music, song, dance and storytelling that attracts competitors and patrons from all over the country.
The format of the Festival will be similar to last year, with the senior section being staged on Saturday night, and the winning Group will be presented with the Peter J Donohue Perpetual Trophy.
The Sunday afternoon will be all about the younger performers, who are the lifeblood of the Festival, and will ensure that the Mummers tradition is kept alive for future generations. This is usually a great family occasion, with parents and grand-parents coming along to support the stars of the future. This Junior competition for those under 18, will provide a high standard of entertainment, with lots of friendly rivalry.
The Chairman of the Festival Committee, Michael Mullins paid tribute to the loyal Sponsors who have supported and encouraged the Mummers Festival over the years. Thanks to their incredible generosity, there will be cash prizes and trophies for the winning groups, as well as individual awards to recognise the most talented musicians, singers, dancers and storytellers, he said. This year again, there will be a category tp recognise the Most Outstanding Entertainer across both categories.
Festival secretary, Michael Finnerty, is encouraging groups to confirm their entries as soon as possible, and new groups would be particularly welcome. He can be contacted at New Inn, Ballinasloe, Tel. 087 3828281.
The Mummers Festival is run under the auspices of the Community Council, and was started almost four decades ago as a fundraiser towards the building of the Community Centre. Today the proceeds of the festival help maintain and develop the Centre, as well as contributing some funds to local charities.
The Festival Committee ook forward to welcoming you to New Inn on January 2 and 3 for what is sure to be feast of top class traditional entertainment in a comfortable venue. There is no better event than the Mummers Festival to bring the Christmas festivities to a close and get the New Year off to a musical start.
