Press Release For Guinness Féile na nDéise 2003

Preparations for the Ninth Guinness Féile na nDéise are nearing completion and the fruits of the work of this hard-working committee can be seen during the May Bank Holiday weekend, when the streets of Dungarvan will again ring to the sound of music, song and laughter as the best talent in the country comes to town to entertain the crowds.

The Guinness Féile has always been blessed with good weather and if this present spell extends to the May Bank Holiday weekend, it will be standing room only in Grattan Square as the festivities get under way and continue in the County Capital for four days.

By now the programme is well known, for the backbone of this traditional music festival will always be what is finest in our culture, as played, sung and presented by the very best of talent drawn from around the country. That is as it was, is and will always be, for this Committee has pledged itself to promote the language and wider aspects of our culture and entertainment as mainstream activities for the people of Ireland.

Strengthened by the generous sponsorship of Guinness and supported by a long list of local sponsors, Patrons and Friends of the Festival, the 2003 Féile promises to be once more the 'feast of entertainment', which was first guaranteed by the founders in 1995. If the numbers who turn up each year are anything by which to judge, the people love what is arranged and this year it will be business as usual with as varied and well-filled a programme as anyone could wish for.

The extensive programme gets off to a fine start on Friday night at 7.00 pm with the Official Opening by Micheál Ó'Muircheartaigh (Patron of Féile) in Óstán na Páirce. After that it's Take the Floor in the Pearse Room of Óstán Lalor with Fear a' Tí, Monnie Hallahan.

For as long as some people can remember, there has always been a Bodhrán. Not just the musical instrument made of goat's skin, but that exciting, lively and talented traditional Ballad Group who will play in Concert in Óstán na Páirce at 9pm. This promises to be an evening to remember, filled to the brim with Song, Chat and Craic in the company of County Waterford's most exciting ballad group.

We greatly appreciate the co-operation and practical assistance of Waterford County Council's Arts Officer, Margaret Organ, particularly in regard to the generous use of the Old Market House Arts Centre for the Launch of the Féile, a grant to help fund the Street Pageant and the various events during the Féile Weekend.

During the course of the weekend there will be the never-ending Pub Music Session Trail, where the local and visiting artists and musicians will be entertaining the masses with the best of fare.

The Session is still the matrix of traditional music. In its purest form, the session is a communal gathering, pooling ideas, learning new tunes, an outpouring of technique and far more importantly, of emotion.

Saturday promises to be a full day for those who can last the pace, commencing at noon. with Set Dancing Workshops in Óstán Lalor with Ger and Colin Butler. From then until Monday afternoon, it will be one long hectic programme of enjoyment in a variety of locations ranging from storytelling for children in the afternoon and later, for adults 'In My Father's Time' in Óstán Lalor. Storytelling has been a national pastime in Ireland for centuries. The Seanchaí is a unique breed of Storyteller who will take you back in time to the kitchen fireside, with a few surprise visitors dropping in as well.

The Guinness Gig Rig makes its appearance in Grattan Square at 2.00 p.m. on Saturday and will be the focal point of the outdoor programme for the duration of the weekend. Music, Song and Dance will abound with a style or sound to please everyone.

A Historic Walking Tour will take place as usual in the afternoon as will the Annual Busking Competition for the Martin Curran Memorial Trophy. At 7.30 Mass in St Mary's Parish Church, hymns will be sung by the Male Welsh Choir, who will continue their enchanting recital afterwards.

Black Rose is the next Concert date in OB's Nightclub at 11pm on Saturday, which promises something rousing and special.

The subject of this year's Pageant is 'Na Connerys', the ill-fated family who fell foul of the law and found themselves transported to the other end of the world. Brendan Kiely (Author of 'Na Connerys') and noted authority on the subject will lecture on Saturday evening, an event not to be missed.

The Pageant will be the centrepiece of the Sunday entertainment, followed by the cream of talent on the Guinness Gig Rig. This has always drawn and held a huge crowd who enjoy the fun and spontaneity of the programme.

If the music and fun on Grattan Square have you feet inching to dance, Óstán Lalor is the place to be on Sunday night for the Féile Céilí. The nationwide popular Tim Joe and Anne will provide music.

Sean Keane who will play in the Park Hotel on Sunday night has been labeled "the greatest Irish musical find of the `90`s" (London Independent), and "the fastest rising star of the Irish music scene"(Irish Times). With three solo albums since 1994, he has firmly established himself as one of Ireland's most esteemed and talented singers. He has become renowned not only for his voice, which is unique, but also for his wit, humour and charm.

On Monday there will be plenty to entertain anyone with energy left, with a full programme on the Gig-Rig and in the pubs. It promises to be a mighty Féile, with truly something for everyone, so why not come along and be part of the buzz.