Folk music making return to Downpatrick at festival

Folk music making return to Downpatrick at festival

25 May 2016

DOWNPATRICK is well known for its folk music tradition.

And folk fans will be spoilt for choice this weekend when Downpatrick Folk Club at Denvir’s hosts its first traditional and folk festival.

The club, which was one of Ireland’s last dedicated folk clubs when it closed in the late 1990s, will be relaunched on Friday with the talented three-piece band d’Bize, who will play a lively mix of traditional tunes and songs from Ireland, Scotland, North America and Europe.

This will be the first of a series of free weekend events.

Young musicians from Ards Comhaltas will hold a music workshop on Irish musical instruments for all ages on Saturday from 1pm, followed by a session, while children from Bunscoil Mhuire agus Phádraig will also perform some songs to promote traditional music among adults and children.

On Saturday night, local band Eíst will play an acoustic fusion of Irish trad, Celtic rock, folk and blues. 

The headline act for the weekend of music will be the world renowned Irish traditional and folk band Four Men and a Dog who will perform on Sunday evening.

This is the only charged event over the weekend with tickets for £15 now available from Denvir’s Hotel.

Folk club organiser Harvey Vint, who was a member of the original Downpatrick Folk Club, said this weekend’s launch came following months of planning.

He said there had been a dearth of traditional music in the town for several years and he, along with other club members, hoped to revive the genre.

“There has been a void for some time now and there is a group of us who are really keen to get this up and running,” he said.

“This is about promoting traditional Irish music, folk music, dance and the whole culture. It is very much for the whole community to enjoy.”

Mr Vint said they had recently launched a Sunday afternoon session in Denvir’s, while workshops were planned for the months ahead that would offer an introduction to the whistle, accordion and banjo. He said they also plan to hold a Wednesday night open mic night.

“The interest has been really good and we are keen to get this going,” he said.

“I think we need to put Downpatrick back on the map. It has always been a centre for traditional music and there are so many talented musicians locally.

“We are hoping people will come along this weekend and enjoy the music and craic.”

Telephone 02844 612012 or email info@denvirs.com for more information about Downpatrick Traditional and Folk Festival.