Annual Kildare canalside festival is on this weekend
It features a mix of established and emerging traditional musicians and singers, cultural and Irish language events
The annual Féile na Sollán - Sallins Tradfest will take place this weekend (August 28-30) bringing a mix of established and emerging traditional musicians and singers to the town alongside cultural and Irish language events for all ages.
Tulua, a young traditional Irish band, will be the headline act on the main stage and since forming in 2019, they have released two albums and and have toured and performed in countries around the world including Germany, Netherlands, Australia, France, USA and Canada’
Éire Ní Fhaoláin agus Cú Chulainn Ó Faoláin are a sibling duo with a love of sean-nós singing, traditional music and poetry. An Ghaeilge is at the heart of their music and they love to compose new songs, inspired by their love of sean-nós songs.
Also on this year’s bill are Mick McNamara and Paul Kelly - stalwarts of the live music scene in Dublin. One half of the four piece band The Dixie Micks, Mick and Paul have been entertaining audiences together at home and abroad for over twenty years.
Mick is a fine singer and guitarist whose vast repertoire ranges from the popular ballads, folk songs, to more contemporary material, all delivered with the passion and gusto for which he is well known.
Paul is a fiddle and mandolin player who has performed in many bands in his long career.
The festival launches in JP Healy’s at 8.30pm on Friday August 28 with an open trad session with Sult and a Pop-Up Gaeltacht.
Today, Saturday August 29 the main stage in the harbour will feature performances from Tulua, Éire and Cú Chulainn, Paul Kelly and Mick McNamara, Sult, Rita Sutton Dancers, Naas Men’s Shed, Pádraig Ó Conghaile & Kate Ní Raoghaill and the Fletcher’s Trad Group. Throughout the day, there will be barge trips with live traditional music (some featuring a Pop-Up Gaeltacht), cultural workshops and children’s events.
Tomorrow, Sunday August 30 will see music on the harbour with Spraoi and the and a street céilí with Rita Doyle, barge trips and the finale open trad session with Tom Moran from 8pm in The Railway Inn and this is open to all musicians and singers.
The cultural programme offers a children’s céilí and long puck competition at Sallins GAA, music/storytelling for under 8s with Julie Anne de Brún, drumming workshops with Conor Moore (all ages), puppet show with Little Gem Puppets, music and games for children with Kate and Teidi, board games with Eclecticats in the parish hall, a street céilí with Rita Doyle by the canal and Bricfeasta as Gaeilge at Café Grange.
The festival is bilingual (English and Gaeilge), creating a welcoming atmosphere where everyone can use as much or as little Irish as they wish and most events are free. Booking is needed for some cultural events and tickets may be bought on www.feilenasollan.com.