Ballina starts countdown to Mayo Manchester Tradfest

A press launch at the Ballina Arts Centre officially marked the countdown to the eagerly awaited 2015 Mayo Manchester Tradfest in Ballina, County Mayo. The director of Council services in Ballina, Paul Benson and Architect Kevin Keegan joined forces with Ballina TD's Michelle Mulherin and Dara Calleary along with musicians and dancers Cian and Lisa Lavelle from Atlantic Rhythm Productions at the event. Also in attendance at the launch was this years 2015 Lady of the Moy Emer Taheny from the Ballina Salmon Festival, along Ballina Arts Centre director Sean Walsh and the organiser of the Mayo Manchester Tradfest, Tony Hennigan.

A giant Harp and Fiddle had been hand crafted by the BSF crew in the workshops of the Ballina Salmon Festival to help promote the MMTradfest, when asked about the forthcoming six day festival, Tony Hennigan replied “There is a real buzz building up in North Mayo for the week long celebration which will feature over 500 Irish Dancers, Singers and Musicians from Mayo and Manchester. There are 50 events in and around Ballina with at least one Key event on each day of the festival. We have had tremendous support in Mayo with Mayo.ie, the Ballina Council, The Ballina Chamber, the Ballina Salmon Festival, the Bonniconlon Show, Siamsa Sraide, Crossmolina and Westport, Ireland West Airport, The Western People, Failte Ireland and FBD insurance all getting involved.”

Mayo TD, Dara Calleary commented “Mayo is the place to be this August for the best of music, friendship and fun. It's a perfect line up of the finest of Irish tradition. There will be a Cead Mile Failte (One hundred thousand welcomes) for everyone.”

Michelle Mulherin TD added “It is great to see Mayo Manchester return each year to stage another festival, they just seem to get bigger and better each year. It promises to be another special week this year and I cannot wait to launch the Gala Concert on Saturday 1 August.”

The Festival kicks off on Friday 31 July at 9pm with a Parade led by the Fianna Phadraig Pipe Band from Manchester down Pearse Street in Ballina to Dillons Victorian cobbled Courtyard where the Ganley Sisters and Dara Calleary TD will officially launch the festival at 9.30pm.

On Saturday 1 August a whole host of acts are flying over from Manchester to appear in the Gala concert which is launch by Michelle Mulherin TD at the Ballina Arts Centre, these include:
Joe Keegan from the hit BBC TV series The Voice, 2014 Rose of Tralee Finalist and award winning musician, Mairead Hussey and fiddle player, Fidelma O'Brien. The award winning Keegan Academy of Irish Dance who are trained by the new Lord of the Dance – James Keegan and his sister Louise, plus the Fianna Phadraig Pipe Band. Joining them from Mayo are the cast from the sell out Mayo Musical – Beyond the Barricade, plus All Ireland winning vocal group 'Octave', trad group The Murphy Sisters and dancers and musicians from Atlantic Rhythm Productions. Tickets for this event must be purchased in advance directly from the Ballina Arts Centre on 096 73593

Sunday 2 August
Outdoor performance in Kilkelly as part of the Heritage Weekend Celebrations, Mayo Manchester will be joined by the Ganley Sisters and a host of Irish Musicians, singers and dancers from Kilkelly and the surrounding area. Parade through the village starts at 7pm, followed by an outdoor concert on the main stage.

Monday 3 August
Event: Mayo Manchester Business lunch at Bonniconlon Show
Time: 12 noon
This is the third annual Mayo Manchester Business and Tourism lunch which is supported by Mayo County Council, Mayo.ie, Mayo Enterprise, Ballina Manor Hotel, Manchester Irish Festival and the Mayo Manchester Business and Tourism group.
Email mayomanchester@gmail.com to book tickets or text 00447912512977 or contact the Ballina Manor Hotel direct email sales@ballinamanorhote.ie or Tel 096 80900

Monday 3 August
Mayo Manchester Performance on Stage 3.30pm
The MMTradfest performers will be performing on Stage 2 at the annual Bonniconlon Agrcultural and Gymkhana show which is one of the biggest shows in Ireland attracting over 30,000 visitors, get to the stage early to get a good seat.

Tues 4 August
Event: Mayo Manchester Street Performance at Siamsa Sraide in Swinford
Time: 2.30pm on main stage just before Copper Plate Ceile Band

Tues 4 August
Mayo Manchester performance with Atlantic Rhythm in The Atlantic Rhythm Show
Venue: Hotel Westport, Westport
Time: 7.30pm
Tickets are available from Hotel Westport, Tel: 098 25122 or email reservations@hotelwestport.ie
Price: Adults €20 / Children Under 7yrs €7 Group discounts are also available.
For Group Bookings contact Sheila Moffatt, Tel: 087 9364504 or email: sheilamoffatt72@gmail.com
Website: www.hotelwestport.ie/AtlanticRhythmShow.html

Weds 5 August
Mayo Manchester Closing concert at the Ceili cottage with the Shelia Moffatt School of Irish Dancing plus musicians and dancers from Mayo and Manchesterstarts at 9 Pm €7 adults, €5 on the door includes light refreshments. Group discounts are available.
Venue: Enniscoe House, Crossmolina
Time: 830pm
For more information contact Shelia Moffat Tel: 087 9364504 or email: sheilamoffatt72@gmail.com