Many free gigs as Cork gears up for folk festival

Music fans are lined up for a real treat with loads of gigs, many of them free, as part of the annual Cork Folk Festival which kicks off on Oct 10.

One of this year’s highlights will be an attempt to assemble the world’s largest céilí band at a free gig in City Hall.

Details were announced at The Bodega last night. The festival will open at An Spailpín Fánach with Lumiere, Nell Ní Chróinín, Máire Ní Chéileachair and Haddo.

Venues participating in the Folk Trail include the Pavilion, Corner House, CIT School of Music, An Spailpin Fánach, Triskel Christchurch, The Crane Lane, Imperial Hotel, L’Attitude 51 and Cork City Library, as well as a host of local bars.

The library will host free folk events all weekend, including exhibitions, talks, songs and stories for children.

Highlights include Fred playing at the Pavilion with a special folk set, with support from Cormac Ó Caoimh.

Altan, The Céilí Allstars, The Heartstrings Quartet and Rynne/Barou/Lunny also play the Pavilion over the weekend.

This year sees the introduction of the Noel Brazil contemporary songwriting competition, which takes place on the Friday night.

A Folk and Food Market will take place on Saturday, Oct 12 on the Grand Parade with live folk music. Other highlights that day include The Déaglán Tallon Traditional Song Competition, Cork Pipers Club, I Draw Slow and Stompin’ Dave Allen in An Spáilpín Fánach.

Scullion will play Triskel Christchurch and there’s a great evening of music in the Festival Club at the Imperial Hotel.

www.corkfolkfestival.com