August 1st – 4th, 2008
www.ocarolanharpfestival.ie

The O’Carolan Harp and Traditional Music Festival, Keadue, Co. Roscommon, Ireland, now in its 30th year has established itself over the years as one of Ireland’s leading musical events.

The 2008 Festival which is held under the auspices of C.C.E. takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend from August 1st to August 4th while the O’Carolan Summer School in Traditional Music Song and Dance precedes the Festival and takes place from July 28th to
August 2nd.

Students attending the classes at the Summer School can avail of the following workshops in Harp, Flute, Tin Whistle, Fiddle, Banjo, Button Accordian, Piano Accordian, Uillean Pipes, Concertina, Bodhrán, Traditional Singing, Set Dancing and Sean Nós Dancing.

One of the highlights of the Festival for people are the Harp events and competitions. Harpers and Traditional musicians from around the world descend on the picturesque Village in North Roscommon for the festivities each year. The winner of the Senior Harp competition will receive a specially engraved crystal trophy and a cheque for €600.

Over the Festival weekend there are Concerts, Music sessions, Lectures, Céilís and Door Dancing.

The Official opening of the Festival takes place on Sunday August 3rd and will be preceded by the Festival parade which promises to surpass previous years with marching bands, floats, and street entertainment.

Throughout the afternoon many local and visiting crafts people will be present to demonstrate their crafts and work while at the same time Harp recitals and traditional music sessions can be heard throughout the Village.

Among the Bands that have performed at the Festival over the years include The Chieftains, De Danann, Dervish and Cathy Jordan, Martin Hayes, Mary Black, Máire Ní Chathasaigh and Chris Newman, Belfast Harp Orchestra, Frankie Gavin and Hibernian Rhapsody, Foster and Allen, Altan, Charlie McGettigan Eleanor Shanley, Maura O’Connell, Frances Black, Dolores Kane, Matt Cunningham, Arcady, Shaskeen, Best Foot Forward, Seamus Shannon Swallows Tail, Showband Show.

This year the Festival Committee is delighted to announce that the World famous Dervish makes a return visit to perform in concert at the Festival. It is also planned to have Ireland’s Top Harpers perform in a special concert.

Marketing of the Festival has been intensified over the years with inclusion of the activities on the internet and promotion by Fáilte Ireland and Ireland West and through the following magazines – The Folk Harp Journal U.S.A. United Kingdom Harp Magazine, Sounding Strings, Set Dancing News, Aoife Magazine and Discover Ireland, together with the Irish Music Magazine, Irelands Own, Hot Press and the Irish Post.

The O’Carolan Harp Festival Committee welcomes the opening of the newly refurbished and extended Kilronan Castle adjacent to Keadue into a five star hotel with leisure facilities and wish The Hanley Group every success in their venture.

For Accommodation check www.kilronancastle.ie
or Tel: +353 (0)71 9647771

For Further Information:
www.ocarolanharpfestival.ie or www.keadue.harp.net
Email:ocarolan@eircom.net
Tel: 00353719647247