Sallins Tradfest takes place this weekend

The 10th Sallins Tradfest will take place from August 30 to September 1 with a  lineup of established and emerging trad musicians and singers as well as cultural and Irish language events for adults and children.

A special highlight will be a special performance from Polish Folk group Inisowiacy from Ennis, who promote Polish culture and heritage primarily through traditional dance, music and costume and who like to connect with all the community, not just the Polish diaspora, by demonstrating similarities between Irish and Polish folk tradition and the beauty of their individual uniqueness.

The festival gets underway on Friday evening (August 30) with the festival launch and open trade session in JP Healy’s pub and a folk session in the Railway Inn.

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On the main stage on Saturday there will be performances from local acts Kilteel Comhaltas, Naas Mens Shed, Allta, Rita Sutton dancers, Anna Sweeney and Joe Gallagher, Sult, as well as Connemara Harpist Úna Ní Fhlannagáin , Polish Folk group Inisowiacy, Cork musicians Macdara Ó Faoláin and Victoria Pierce and headlining act Wickerlight. 

Dublin-based Wickerlight is an electrifying four-piece band that thrives on the fusion of raw energy and eclectic sounds. With their unique blend of influences ranging from Irish traditional music to pulsating rock, infused with infectious dance and eastern European rhythms, Wickerlight has quickly carved a distinct and captivating niche in the industry.They will appear on the main stage in Sallins Harbour on Saturday at 7pm.

This will be followed by a trad music barbecue in Lock 13. On Sunday there will be an open mic stage featuring the Spraoi and Fletchers groups as well as  poetry readings. We also have a street céili with Rita Doyle.

Our cultural events include the Fanzini - family circus show , children’s céilí in the GAA field, music and storytelling for children under 8 with Julie Anne de Brún, drumming workshop for all ages, a movie show (An Bhladhm Bheo - the story of Brigid for adults), instrument making workshop for all ages.  Bricfeasta as Gaeilge in Café Grange, for children under 4 with Sarah Sparkles, yoga session for adults, comic drawing workshop  for children and teenagers.

There will be a guided tour of  Bodenstown Cemetery with Minister of State James Lawless for teenagers and adults.                                                                      

From 1pm-3.45 on Saturday and Sunday there will be barge trad trips on the Grand Canal facilitating the ambiance of a live trad session as you cruise and the second trip each day will host an Irish language conversation circle. All levels of Irish welcome.

The event ends with an  open trad session on Sunday evening in The Railway Inn featuring Tom Moran and friends. All musicians are welcome to come along and join in.

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

Many events are free including the main concert on Saturday so why not come out and support this wonderful community initiative. 

For further details on events, bookings and tickets please visit www.feilenasollan.com or call 087-1834406.