The Galway Folk Festival is back from June 4th to 8th, and this year’s celebration of folk, roots and acoustic music includes a rich programme of free events across the city.
With performances scheduled from afternoon through to late evening, music lovers can enjoy emerging and established talent in this community focused festival. From The Tavern Stage to The Market Stage and the intimate Little Room of Folk, there’s something for everyone.
On Thursday, June 5th, The Tavern Stage welcomes Whiskey Mash at 7pm and The Hidden Maple at 9.30pm, continuing the midweek momentum.
Friday, June 6th offers a trio of performances at The Tavern Stage as the afternoon kicks off with The West Sessions at 4.30pm, followed by Loes and The Celtic Link at 7pm before closing out with an energetic set from Strings and Things at 9.30pm.
Saturday, June 7th sees a full day of free programming across three venues. At The Market Stage, in partnership with Cuppa Tea TV, the music begins at 11am with Youth in Music. Domhan perform at 1.15pm, followed by Mná at 2pm, Robert John Hope at 2.45pm, and Sarah Croker at 3.30pm. Later in the afternoon, audiences can enjoy David Hope at 4.15pm, Sarah Buckley at 5pm, Neart at 5.45pm and enchanting Australian indie-folk duo Saije at 6.30pm.
The Tavern Stage also hosts a strong Saturday line-up, beginning at 12 noon with Mullingar band Some One’s Sons bringing a fresh twist to Irish anthems. Neart at 1pm, followed by The Davies Brothers at 2pm, Teague and Joyce at 3pm, and vibrant trad fusion NxNW at 4pm. Mayo-based folk fusion band Billow Wood perform at 5pm, with Australia’s captivating roots music artists Hat Fitz and Cara at 6pm, The Fógues at 7pm, and Feedback closing the evening with a lively 9.30pm performance.
Over at The Little Room of Folk, Saturday features Eli Waltz, who has garnered praise from none other than Sir Paul McCartney, performing at 12.15pm, Dublin-based Evie brings alt-folk with a twist at 1pm, Korina Zambrano draws upon folk, jazz, classic rock, and pop at 1.45pm and Eve Clague from Clonakilty, draws on the rich variety of music she grew up with at 2.30pm. Galway based Colin Tierney, who has made a name for himself in the rock and folk-rock genres, performs at 3.15pm, and at 4.15pm, music meets conversation with Culture Vultures, hosted by music journalist Tony Clayton-Lea.
The final day of the festival, Sunday, June 8th, continues the vibrant free programme. The Market Stage resumes at 11am with Youth in Music, followed by Laura Jo at 1.15pm, Sweet Jayne at 2pm, Roswell at 2.45pm, and Hubert Murray at 3.30pm. Colm Gavin performs at 4.15pm, with Banshee at 5pm, Three Rod Wale at 5.45pm, and Berlin-based trio Yonder Boys closing the stage at 6.30pm.
The Tavern Stage on Sunday features the Yonder Boys at 4pm, Midlands trio, Shillelagh Law at 6pm, Myles Gaffney at 7pm, Seo Linn (Trio) at 8pm, and Double Booked at 9.30pm.
Meanwhile, The Little Room of Folk begins the day with multi-instrumentalist Tom Portman who fuses blues, swing, ragtime, classical, Indian ragas, and rock ‘n’ roll at 12.15pm, fearless indie-rock singer songwriter J Smith at 1pm, Fermanagh folk duo Laytha mix indie melodies and dark, traditional folk rhythms at 1.45pm, Limericks’ Laura Duff brings her hauntingly autobiographical songs at 2.30pm, Tadhg Williams performs at 3.15pm and Casii Stephan at 4pm. The final Culture Vultures session, once again hosted by Tony Clayton-Lea, wraps up the weekend at 5pm.
With rising stars, folk stalwarts, lively sessions and the Tiny Traders Market Village, this year’s free programme invites you to soak up the music in style at the Galway Folk Festival.
For more log on to www.monroes.ie and www.galwayfolkfestival.com.
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