Salsa, music trails and the Céilí Mór promised by Folk Festival organisers

THIS year’s Beamish Folk Festival has been “Shanghai-ed”.

The festival, which attracts the cream of Irish traditional musicians, is normally held this month.

But the organisers have put it back to Oct 2-5 because some of the musicians have been invited to a music festival in Cork’s twin city in China — Shanghai.

Nevertheless this year’s Cork festival promises to have something for everybody, featuring 22 venues, 34 acts, 280 musicians and 5,000 Céilí Mór dancers.

Speaking at the launch in the Beamish & Crawford brewery last night, festival chairman Jim Walsh said performers would feature a mix of styles.

He said this year’s highlight would include vibrant 11-piece music fusion band Salsa Celtica from Edinburgh, plus Frankie Gavin and Martin O’Connor who will perform in St Fin Barre’s Cathedral.

Damien Dempsey, west Kerry’s Beal Tuinne featuring Seamus Begley, Rita Connolly, Jim Murray and Shaun Davey are also lined up to entertain.

“The programme for 2008 is quite a varied one with an eclectic mix of folk and traditional Irish music. Our aim is to bring some of the finest contemporary folk music to the people of Cork. We are confident this year’s festival will be one of the best ever and we look forward to bringing an exciting range of music to venues and pubs across the city,” said Mr Walsh.

“Throughout the weekend, audiences can sample everything from the very best fiddle, accordion, pipes and flute players in Ireland to a giant open-air Céilí Mór with the Kilfenora Céilí Band. As usual the festival will feature concerts from the Cork Blues, Pipes and Singers’ clubs, children’s events and a music trail featuring over 40 free sessions,” Mr Walsh said.

Bookings can now be made through www.tickets.ie and from individual venues.

www.corkfolkfestival.com