July 31st – August 3rd, 2009
www.ocarolanfestival.ie

The O’Carolan Harp and Traditional Music Festival, Keadue, Co. Roscommon, Ireland, now in its 31st. year has established itself over the years as one of Ireland’s leading musical events.

The 2009 Festival which is held under the auspices of C.C.E. takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend from July 31st. to August 3rd. while the O’Carolan Summer School in Traditional Music, Song and Dance precedes the Festival and takes place from July 27th to July 31st.

Students attending the classes at the Summer School can avail of the following workshops : Harp, Flute, Tin Whistle, Fiddle, Banjo, Button Accordian, Uillean Pipes, Concertina, Bodhran, Traditional Singing, Set Dancing and Sean nos 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, Ceilis, and Door Dancing.

The Official opening of the Festival takes place on Sunday August 2nd. 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 can be heard throughout the village.

Among the Bands that have performed at the Festival over the years include : The Chieftains, De Danann, Dervish, Eleanor Shanley, Altan, Martin Hayes, Mary Black, Maire Ni Chathasaigh and Chris Newman, Maura O’Connell, Frances Black, Dolores Kane, Arcady, Shaskeen, Seamus Shannon and P.J.Murrihy.

Marketing of the Festival has been intensified over the years with inclusion of the activities on the internet and promotion by Failte 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.

For further information: www.ocarolanharpfestival.ie and www.keadue.harp.net
Email: ocarolan@eircom.net  Tel : 0035371 9647247