BALTIMORE will come alive with music when the Fiddle Fair returns this weekend, May 7th to 10th.
From intimate music sessions to outdoor yoga and fiddle tunes at sea, the festival promises events for seasoned folk fans and curious newcomers.
Festival Director Declan McCarthy said the festival’s purpose is to offer people the chance to switch off from bad news and a chance to come together and celebrate the good stuff in life.
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‘We have a great festival for you this year, with a very exciting line-up featuring some old friends from way back, and a bunch of amazing Fiddle Fair first-timers,’ he said.
The programme is packed with hands-on experiences. Music workshops include guitar with Steve Cooney, old-time banjo with Leo Shannon, harmony singing with Vivian Leva and Riley Calagno, and old-time fiddle with Sami Bramam. Festivalgoers can also enjoy musical yoga sessions and even musical sailings with Fiddles at the Fastnet on Saturday morning, bringing a very coastal twist to the weekend.
Two of Scandinavia’s most exciting musicians, Lena Jonsson and Johanna Juhola will perform in the marquee on Sunday ahead of Matt Molloy, John Carty and Brian McGrath.
One highlight takes place on opening night on Thursday at 8pm in the Fiddle Fair Marquee, where a special tribute will celebrate Steve Cooney as he becomes the second person inducted into the Fiddle Fair Hall of Fame, alongside the late Arty McGlynn.
Friday features a lively programme, including a concert for local primary schools at 11am in the marquee, expected to be the loudest of the weekend.
Later that night, at 11.45pm in St Matthew’s Church, rising UK stars Spafford Campbell will make their Irish debut, presenting material from their album ‘Tomorrow Held’.
On Saturday, Aoife Ní Bhriain and Cormac McCarthy take to St Matthew’s Church at 12.30pm, following their acclaimed performance in Skibbereen Town Hall in December.
With events also taking place in Casey’s, Jacob’s, the Sailing Club, Bushe’s and Rolf’s Country House, visitors to the fiddle fair are in for a vibrant and memorable few days.
For full details and tickets visit www.fiddlefair.com
