PHOTOS: Sallins Tradfest events drawing crowds this weekend

The tenth annual Féile na Sollán- Sallins Tradfest 2024 continues today. 

Large crowds enjoyed a lineup of established and up and coming Trad musicians and singers as well as many cultural and Irish language events for adults and children.

The Rita Sutton Dancers 

A special highlight was a special performance from Polish Folk group Inisowiacy from Ennis, Co Clare 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.

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Wickerlight on stage 

The festival got underway on Friday evening with the Festival launch and open trad session in JP Healy’s and a folk session in the Railway Inn.

On the main stage on Saturday there were local acts Kilteel Chomaltas, 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.

Anna Sweeney

This was followed by a Trad Music Barbecue in Lock 13.

On Sunday, there was an open mic stage featuring the Spraoi and Fletchers groups and poetry readings. There was also  a Street Céili wth Rita Doyle.

Cultural events include 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, Movie Show- An Bhladhm Bheo-The story of Brigid for adults, Instrument Making Workshop for all ages.  

Bricfeasta as Gaeilge in Café Grange, Fun for children under 4 with Sarah Sparkles, Yoga Session for adults, Comic Drawing Workshop for children and teenagers.

This year there was a new cultural event, A Guided Tour of Bodenstown Cemetery with James Lawless for teenagers and adults.                                                                      

From 1pm-3.45 on Saturday and Sunday there were Barge Trad Trips on the Grand Canal, with a live trad session as you cruise on the Grand Canal. The second trip each day hosted an Irish language Conversation Circle. 

There is 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 with us playing a few tunes and songs.

Our festival events are bilingual (i.e. English and Gaeilge) This presents a great opportunity to use whatever Irish you may have, be it a lot, a little, or none - we aim to include everyone.

For further details, please visit  www.feilenasollan.com or contact 087 1834406.