The return of the Failte Ireland and Wild Atlantic Way supported annual six day Mayo Manchester ‘MMTradfest’ is expected to attract more than 50,000 people to Ballina at the end of July. The six day festival which runs from Friday July 29 to Wednesday August 3 features Irish musicians, singers, and dancers from both Mayo and Manchester. It is a unique collaboration between the two areas. Just over 100 performers are involved at more than 60 events in the Tradfest which takes place in and around Ballina in north Mayo.
Ballina TD Dara Calleary commented at the recent press launch for the festival: “It is great to see Mayo and Manchester working together to produce this great celebration of our Irish culture and heritage.” A total of 52 events have been are planned to run over the duration of the festival throughout the north Mayo area. Tony Hennigan from Mayo Manchester added: “We have received a tremendous amount of support for the festival both in Mayo and Manchester. As well as our official supporters we would like to acknowledge the help given to us by the Ballina Salmon Festival, who we have been working with for a number of years, their support for this new festival has been invaluable. The six day festival which is based in the arts centre and numerous live music venues in Ballina will also be visiting Attymass, Bonniconlon, Crossmolina, Foxford, Kilkelly and Swindford.”
The festival is being supported by Mayo Manchester Tourism and Business group, Ballina Municipal District, Ballina Chamber, Mayo North, Mayo.ie, Mayo County Council, Failte Ireland, The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland West Airport, Excel Excavations, the Levenshulme Pub Company, The Horseshoe Levenshulme, Giro de Baille, Atlantic Rhythm Production and The Keegan Academy of Irish Dancing.
