HarFest a big Saintfield success

HarFest a big Saintfield success

11 November 2015

SAINTFIELD’S third Festival of Music and Art, HarFest, took place over the last weekend in October with a rich variety of styles to suit everyone’s taste. 

In the Parish Hall there was laughter for two hours with the lighthearted chat and comedy together with the musical genius of Ivan Black. With plenty of jazz and some folk alongside popular classics, Ivan’s one-man-show even saw him compose pieces on the spot with suggestions from the audience. 

In the relaxed venues of Saints Café, White Horse and Rowallane Inn musicians took to the stage to enhance the atmosphere for their regular customers. 

As the darker evening fell, the 2nd Presbyterian Church hall soon filled up with folk looking for a dance and to support the RVH Liver Support Group. Together they raised £360 and were treated to a hearty supper prepared by Kevin Young, a loyal supporter of the festival from its inception. 

The Alastair Scott Ceilidh Band were excellent and gently led all, from those light on their feet to those with two left feet, through many traditional Scottish and Irish dances. They are a top rate band and nothing was too much trouble for them. 

For those not too exhausted from their twisting and twirling, the White Horse and Rowallane Inn again offered live music for everyone to unwind before the night of the extra hour.

The festival drew to a close with a tribute to Garth Brooks in the Rowallane Inn’s function room where the best of tunes were enjoyed by all. 

At the same time in the Parish church almost 100 folk were treated to classical music of the highest calibre. Professional flutist Richard Douglas accompanied by an incredibly versatile string trio and harpsichordist as well as a viola solo from David Strange. 

Central to the recital was the prodigious talent of 13 year old clarinettist Tom Myles accompanied by his father, Gary. 

The Saintfield Development Association should like to thank all those who have supported or contributed to the festival in any way, particularly Newry, Mourne and Down Council.