Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
What started as one man's dream for a big one-off concert in Westport is now one of the leading events on the Irish and European bluegrass calendar. The three day event will see some of the best local, national, and international folk and bluegrass acts taking over 11 different venues in the town.
The festival's new website provides great run-down of the programme with a dedicated page for each act (pictures and relevant links ) and exact timetable with links to all the acts and the venues.
Some of the main international acts due to take part include: The Foghorn String Band (US ), the leading band in the revival of old-time American music; Red Wine (Italy ), widely regarded as one of the best bluegrass bands in Europe; The Kentucky Cow Tippers (UK ), one of the best young bluegrass bands across the sea; and Roni Stoneman (US ), the first lady of five string banjo of the US.
Among the Irish acts are: Old Hannah (Sligo ), Erdini (Donegal ), The Prairie Jaywlkers (Cork ), Cup O'Joe (Armagh ), and one of the festival's most loved acts, The Molly Hicks (Galway ). Tim Rogers and The MacEvilly from Westport have played every festival since 2007 and will do so this year too.
The festival will also see the usual open sessions, workshops, and this year a new feature - The Mystery Gig. All gigs during the days are free and there will be a showcase concert every night which will be ticketed. There are also special weekend tickets available.
The Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival will take place from June 10 to 12. For more details including a full line-up and information on booking tickets, visit the festival website at www.westportfolkbluegrass.com/Festival Alternatively, visit the festival's Facebook page.
