Watch: Cork teacher urges people to ‘sherk’ responsibilities in appeal for island music festival

A Cork teacher has appealed for crowdfunding to make her dream of a music festival on Sherkin Island, West Cork, into a reality.

Jo Collins, originally from Clonakilty, West Cork, became well acquainted with Sherkin, an unspoilt island off the West Cork coast, over the years and saw its potential as a music festival venue.

"I'm passionate about music, and I run Balcony TV Cork, an online international music show which promotes original artists," said Jo.

"I've been organising an event on Sherkin Island in West Cork for the past four years, called Sherkin Responsibilities."

"Sherkin is the perfect the size, the beaches are beautiful, and there are no shops. Going to Sherkin is like going back to a simple way of life, it's a really nice break away from everything."

She successfully held the festival on the island in 2013, which saw people piling on the island for a sun-filled weekend of fun, good music and a stunning venue. Jo is keen to repeat that success, although this year's festival will be on a slightly more intimate scale.

Last year, despite an energetic crowdfunding campaign, the festival could not go ahead, however Jo is determined to make it work this year.

The crowdfunding model presents challenges, as tickets need to be sold in advance of the event to generate the revenue necessary to establish the event.

"Selling tickets can be a challenge because many people don't want to commit in advance, they want to buy tickets that weekend instead," said Jo.

"But because I am a small festival organiser I need to sell the tickets in advance to ensure that I can pay everyone - I believe it's very important to raise the money in advance otherwise you may break a lot of promises - and many promoters have to almost go into hiding because they don't fulfil promises."

Despite the myriad challenges, organising the event is also rewarding for Jo.

"It feels great to make a dream a reality, to strive to make something happen and to see it materialise."

"I also love seeing festival-goers having a great time and enjoying the island and the setting, not to mention the great line up of original musicians that are lined up."

The line-up so far includes: Vagabonds & Thieves, Ramu Manu (some members of King Modo), Quangodelic, Ian Date Jazz Quartet, David Carroll, Appo, Mide Houlihan, Ian Fiasco, JusMe & Gary Fitz of Hobo Convention & Gary Baus.

"It's great seeing the musicians enjoy it and grow their fan base, and it's rewarding when the islanders are happy with my work too."

"When everyone over all is happy with the success, beauty and simplicity of the festival - once that shines through in the end I am happy."

via BreakingNews.ie