Sallins Tradfest celebrations return this month

THE 10th Sallins Tradfest is set for the last weekend in August, (30 August-1 September).

As usual, there will be an incredible lineup of established and up and coming trad musicians and singers as well as many cultural and Irish language events for adults and children.

“A special highlight will be a special performance from Polish folk group ‘Inisowiacy’ from Ennis, Co.Clare who promote Polish culture and heritage primarily through traditional dance, music and costume,” said a spokesperson for the festival.

“This group like to connect with all the community, not just the Polish diaspora, by demonstrating similarities between Irish and Polish folk tradition and the beauty of their individual uniqueness,” he added.

The festival gets underway on Friday evening with the festival launch and open trad session in JP Healy’s and a folk session in the Railway Inn.

On the main stage on Saturday there will be a host of local acts including Kilteel Chomaltas, Naas Men's Shed, Allta, the Rita Sutton dancers, Anna Sweeney and Joe Gallagher, Sult, as well as Connemara Harpist Úna Ní Fhlannagáin, Inisowiacy, Cork musicians Macdara Ó Faoláin and Victoria Pierce, before the headline act Wickerlight.

This will be followed by a Trad Music Barbecue in Lock 13, while on Sunday we have an open mic stage featuring the Spraoi and Fletchers groups and poetry readings. There is also have a Street Céili wth Rita Doyle.

Other cultural events include Fanzini – the family Circus Show , a children’s céilí in the GAA field, music and storytelling for children under eight with Julie Anne de Brún, a drumming workshop for all ages, a movie show, The story of Brigid for adults, as well as an instrument making workshop for all ages.

On Sunday there is the ‘Bricfeasta as Gaeilge’ in Café Grange, fun for children under four with Sarah Sparkles, a yoga session for adults, and a comic drawing workshop for children and teenagers.

This year we also have a new cultural event, a guided tour of Bodenstown Cemetery with James Lawless for teenagers and adults.

From 1-3.45pm on Saturday and Sunday there will be barge trad trips on the Grand Canal, where you can enjoy the ambiance of a live trad session as you cruise on the Grand Canal.

The second trip each day will host an Irish language conversation circle where all levels of Irish welcome.

The festival will end with an open trad session on Sunday evening in The Railway Inn featuring Tom Moran and friends. 

All musicians are welcome to come along and join with us playing a few tunes and songs.

Many events are free including our main concert on Saturday.

For further details on events, bookings and tickets please visit www.feilenasollan.com or contact 0871834406