Masterclass in evolution

FOR fiddle virtuoso Martin Hayes, every Masters of Tradition festival in Bantry, West Cork, is special, so how to celebrate its 10th anniversary?

He is artistic director of the event, which runs from Wednesday, Aug 15 — 19 and is renowned for its quality programming and intimate, reverent concerts, which spill into lively sessions.

“We thought we might try to do something different for the anniversary, but every year is so special it seemed difficult,” Hayes says. “The main difference is that this year we’ve brought in some acts from abroad, for the first time. We’re also bringing back Liam O’Flynn and that’s quite a difference, because we haven’t repeated many acts; just myself, Dennis Cahill and Steve Cooney, but not the main acts.”