I had the pleasure of attending the launch of the Spirit of Folk festival last month and took a little video footage on my handy pocket camera. I’ve finally got round to putting the bits together.
Spirit of Folk takes place this year from Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd of September in Dunderry Park in County Meath and features a wealth of folk favourites and also some hugely exciting new acts. Amongst the line up are John Spillane and Glastonbury faves Treetop Flyers. I saw John a while back and I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so much at a gig, hugely entertaining.
Full music line up includes:John Spillane; Treetop Flyers; Lisa O’Neill; The Henry Girls; The Spook of the Thirteenth Lock; Túcan; Mossy Nolan; Little X’s for Eyes; Cry Monster Cry; Jig Away the Donkey ;Aoife Scott; The Hot Sprockets; Pete Cummins; Gypsy Rebble Rabble; The Young Folk; The Eskies; Wookalily; Coscán; The Man Whom; The Bonny Men; John Blek and the Rats; David Hope; Wyvern Lingo; Traz; Bunoscoinn; Hidden Highways; Trad Side of the Moon; Twin Headed Wolf; Wicker Bones; Tír na Nóg; Lynched; Alpaca Jamboree; JP Trio & Niamh; TAC; Ross Breen; Mark Maxwell; Easy Buoy; Corner Boy; Valentine Black; Joy Booth; Gordon Reeves; The Greasy Coat Stringband; No Bread; Polly Barrett
It’s not just all music though. There’ll be lots of family friendly talks and workshops with arts, crafts, games, folklore and much more will keep everyone, not just folk music lovers happy over the weekend. Including :
A ‘Living History’ area will be at the Festival where you can see ancient crafts and skills brought to life by experimental archaeologists, and festival-goers will get a chance to witness a weapon-smith’s products in action at battle re-enactments.
A range of talks and workshops on holistic lifestyle and ecology will take place in a beautiful nordic tipi, where Irish Shamanic and Druidic ceremonies will be held in an intimate and immersive environment.
Storytellers will be on hand to spin their lively and legendaryyarns in a replica Megalithic chambered Cairn, and in addition to this there will be a games area, falconry displays, archery and a host of market stalls selling wares.
Weekend camping tickets start at €85. Day tickets cost €45, and children under 14 can go free. More information on the festival, including the full line-up and range of activities can be found at www.spiritoffolk.com
If it’s half as much fun as the launch night was it will be a blast!
Here’s my ickle video!