When the Cork Folk Festival launched in 1979, few believed it would span four decades. As such to celebrate the impressive milestone, the 2019 programme has assembled an all-star line-up.
Taking place from October 3 – 6, the event’s programme will see over 200 acts take part in 40 events over 20 venues. The festival features some amazing Cork and Ireland based musicians, alongside a host of international folk stars.
Headline acts include Andy Irvine of Sweeney’s Men and Planxty fame and winner of the 2018 Folk Awards, as well as Scotland’s Dougie McLean, writer of the popular folk song ‘Caledonia’.
Joining them as headliners is legendary UK singer and guitarist Martin Carthy. Since he emerged as a young musician in the early days of the 60’s folk revival, he inspired many of his contemporaries including most notably Bob Dylan and Paul Simon. He will be joined in Cork by his daughter and acclaimed singer and fiddle player in her own right Eliza Carthy.
To celebrate the event’s 40th year an All-Star Folk Concert will be held at the Cork Opera House. The line-up includes many of the artists who featured at the festival over the years including Freddie White, Iarla O Lionaird & Steve Cooney, ZoDoMo (featuring Zoe Conway, Donal Lunny & Mairtín O’Connor), Nollaig Casey & Arty McGlynn and Jackie Daly.
Other top acts performing this year include Brendan Mulvihill, Ger Wolfe, Granny’s Attic, Karan Casey with Niall Vallely, the Lee Valley String Band, Liz Doherty, Luke Daniels, Neil Toner, Niamh Dunne & Sean Óg Graham (Beoga), Pat Speight, Session Americana, Steve Turner, Tom Baxter, Two Time Polka, and Yvonne Casey & Dermot Byrne.
On top of all the artists mentioned above, many other big names in folk will take part in special concerts, sessions and events happening across the festival this year. Meanwhile, there will also be the Noel Brazil Songwriting Competition – where budding songsmiths can compete for €450 worth of prizes – as well as céilís, classes, CD launches, open-air events, children’s events and more.
A season ticket for the festival costs €98. They can be purchased via www.proc.ie and on tickets.ie. Meanwhile for more information about the festival, visit www.corkfolkfestival.com.
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