As part of Cróí na Nollag Festival, Main Street was a hive of artistic activity last Saturday. The newly revamped street was looking its best, with access to pedestrians only and shoppers came in their droves to see the entertainment and to avail of the offers in the shops. CRC broadcast live from Hynes’ Shoe Shop for the afternoon.
Crimlin Community Arts Group opened the day playing music up and down the Main Street; Mayo Arts Squad played the ukuleles and organised for a giant Santa Claus to visit and meet with all the children throughout the afternoon; Simon from Democratic Republic of the Congo entertained shoppers in his traditional dress with his music and dance routine; Stephen Guthrie, the town crier, rang his bell and the Karen Community Youth Group sang Christmas songs in their native language.
The standard of music, singing and entertainment in the busking competition was outstanding and congratulations to The Binnogues: Kate Heneghan, Vicki Davis, Fintan Murphy, Pat Boyle and Caoimhe Kilkenny, the overall competition winners. In joint second place was Thomas Coll/Niall Fahey and the group An Cúigear Cairdiúil: Deirdre and Catherine Joyce, Sinead, Conor and Sean Sweeney.
Thérèse Ruane, busking festival organiser, said: “It was very obvious that the people of Castlebar really enjoyed the day and the entertainment. We look forward to building on this in the future. The feedback has been great and shows that the pedestrianisation of Main Street from time to time with on-street entertainment is the way to go, providing a sociable, appealing ambience, and bringing great life back into the centre of town.”
