Féile na Sionnaine - something for all!

The stage is set, the acts are ready to go and with any luck,the sun will make a more than welcome appearance over the weekend of Féile Na Sionainne. This year’s event will see the return of the highly-effective formula that made it a huge success last year but there will be a few more strings added to the bow as there will now be a whole host of workshops and additional fringe events running alongside the returning Viking River Festival.

As with last year’s outing, spectators can expect a euphony of rhythmic sounds emanating from the Canopy area of the Civic Square on Church St, Athlone, troupes of Irish dancers, and a few songs too.

The main events commence on Friday, August 2, with the renowned Neil Fitzgibbon and the Kilfenora Roadshow, this promises to be a huge vibrant and fun event as a group of colourful, talented masters showcases skills. Earlier in the day there will be a number of exciting events to get your teeth into. Replicating the success of last year’s inclusive trad disco, Louise O’Connor will be running the event again in which those with additional needs, their friends and families are invited to have an afternoon of immersive fun and dance in St. Kieran’s Hall, Tormey Villas.

There will also be a Trad session for the “young at heart” where some of our more senior members of the community are invited to get stuck into the craic of the weekend. This will run in the sensory room of the Athlone Town library. There will also be Music Therapy Sessions lead by Anam Music Therapy which will take place on Friday, for children and teenagers with additional needs, booking through Athlone Library.

From Saturday at midday, the canopy events begin and will run to 7 (ish) on both days where you can expect to see a wealth of diverse talent from musicians of all ages, such as the Blossom Harp Ensemble, David Caulfield and friends, the Luan Academy, An Cór Lár Tire, Ann Marie Hynes, and Pádraig Pearce’s Scór Group to name but a few who will take to the stage on Saturday.

Sunday will an equally captivating list of performers to embus the streets with their soulful sounds, you can expect to see Austin Coffey and Friends, Tanglewood (and who could forget the mastery of Tiny Tangles last year), Na Bádoiri, The Low Road and Connaughton’s Ramblers, and more! The added workshops should bolster great interest amongst all musicians, whether beginner or expert, there will be somebody for everybody to learn. The instruments that will be workshopped this year will be - Banjo, Flute and Whistle, Uilleann Pipes, Button Accordion, Concertina and the fiddle; all delivered by prominent specialists in their individual respective fields.

Furthermore, a busking competition for budding musicians under the age of 18 will be taking place on Sunday from 1.30 to 2.30.

Prizes on offer and the winners might even get to perform at the canopy when they reap the spoils! As always, a huge amount of work has gone into making this a success but what good is all the music without people to listen to it?

Bígí linn (join us) for a fest for the senses that celebrates the best of Irish Music, song and dance which will endeavour to showcase Athlone’s rich and vibrant history, culture and heritage, it’s in us all.