KILDARE: Summer Tradfest / Féile na Sollan to take place next weekend

Next weekend, Sult na Sollán will present its 9th annual Sallins Trad Festival, Féile na Sollán 2023.

A spokesperson for Sult na Sollán said:  "On Friday evening in The Railway Inn. we start proceedings with the Festival launch, an open trad session featuring local musicians. We will also have a Pop-Up Gaeltacht so you can come along and use your cúpla focal.

"On Saturday, on our mainstage on the Grand Canal Harbour, 2pm to 7.15pm we have an afternoon of Traditional Music and Dance featuring Kilteel/Eadestown Comhaltas, Naas Men’s Shed, Ukrainian Traditional music with Hanna Bondar, Local trad band Sult, The Rita Sutton Dancers and songs with An Chéad Ghlúin Eile.

"We then have up and coming new singer, songwriter Colm Gavin who will be followed by our main event from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, featuring Internationally famous Traditional Music Band 'FullSet'."

The spokesperson continued: "Our comperes for the day are RTE’s John Kenny and Mairéad Ní Neachtain. 

"Afterwards we have an open Trad session in Lock 13; all musicians welcome. 

Photograph supplied by Tony Gavin, the Festival's Press Officer.

"For children, on Saturday, from 11am in the Parish Hall we have Music and Storytelling for children with Julie Anne de Brún, Comic Book Workshops, and a Nature Worksop.

"We continue on Sunday at 11am with Bricfeasta le Gaeilge in Café Grange. Fun and games for children with Sarah Sparkles in the Parish Hall. Other activities on Sunday include a Drumming Workshop, Outdoor Céilí and a Nature Treasure Hunt."

In addition, from 1pm to 3.45pm on Saturday and Sunday, the event will feature Barge Trad Trips on the Grand Canal.

"Enjoy the ambiance of a live trad session as you cruise on the Grand Canal," the spokesperson said: "The first trip each day will host an Irish language Conversation Circle. All levels of Irish welcome.

"We will end the festival with an open trad session on Sunday evening in The Railway Inn featuring Tom Moran and Mairéad O’Donnell.

"All musicians are welcome to come along and join with us playing a few tunes and songs.

"Many of our festival events are bilingual (English and Gaeilge); this presents a great opportunity to use whatever Irish you may have, be it a lot, a little, or none."

They concluded: "We aim to include everyone."

Photograph supplied by Tony Gavin, the Festival's Press Officer.

This year’s Tradfest runs from Friday, August 25 to Sunday, August 27.

For further details on events, bookings and tickets please visit  www.feilenasollan.com or contact 087 183 4406.

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FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT 'FULLSET'

FullSet are one of Ireland’s most accomplished and sought-after bands in Irish Traditional Music today.

This young group creates a sound that is full of energy & innovation, whilst all the time remaining true to their traditional roots.

Following the success of their debut album 'Notes At Liberty', the group’s profile was further raised with the release of their follow up title, 'Notes After Dark'.

Irish Music Magazine described it as having 'so many good tracks, so much energy, a band in full control and having such fun yet well able to bring things down to a tearful pause.'

'Notes After Dark' was also named Album of the Year by US radio programme 'Celtic Connections'.

Most recently Full Set was awarded 'Top Traditional Group' by the Irish Music Association.