How a casual sing-song generated a brand new festival
DINGLE has become the place to be for music lovers during the Other Voices weekend, but one of its near neighbours is now vying for musical glory.
Annascaul already has a walking festival and a Tom Crean celebration and adventure race. But a surprising little festival that grew out of the community’s love of song has become an essential part of the summer schedule.
The Annascaul Celebrating Singing festival will kick off on June 9 with none other than Philip King, the musical legend and the man responsible for Other Voices kicking off proceedings whose documentary Christy will be shown over the weekend.
Festival organiser Bert McCann explains: ‘The ‘Annascaul Celebrating Singing’ event grew out of a regular gathering of singers and musicians in our local pub. After meeting once a month for a year, a couple of us decided it would be a good idea to stage a weekend event involving the local community and all the fine singers and musicians who have passed through our nights at Patcheen’s Pub on the village Main Street.’
Last year’s event was a roaring success, so on June 9 the second ever Annascaul Celebrating Singing festival kicks off and lasts for three days.
‘The programme for 2017 is supported by Kerry Council’s Arts Office and kind local contributors,’ Bert explains. ‘Though focused on singing and singers it will also blend in other art forms.’
Among those performing are bluegrass act Fox Tales and Dingle poet and songwriter Martin Hansard. Tony Owens will offer an Appalachian song or two, while the Cooleys will sing tunes from Ireland and Scotland.
There will be music and guitar workshops and there’s also going to be a huge carnival parade too. The best news is the whole festival is free.