Applefest brings vibrancy and colour to the streets of Clonmel for family festival

Clonmel Applefest finished on a high note when the weather returned to its usual autumn calm and the community flags settled back to their full tranquil splendour.

The festival which took place over last weekend had a vibrant selection of events aimed at all ages with some new initiatives like the closing Burning Cave Cabaret finishing off on a high note when twelve performers aged 18 to 60 shared their personal written or sung compositions with an attentive and appreciative audience in the atmospheric setting of Hearns’ dining room.

Another large crowd of well-wishers, artists, friends and visitors were also evident at the Clonmel Storyslam hosted by local sheep farmer and playwright Joe Whelan at Bakers’ Bar, featuring eight storytellers sharing short personal stories.
Phyl Prendergast told a story from her days as a student nurse and John Corcoran told the enthusiastic audience about a visit to the old Bulmers’ Applepress site in Dowd’s lane in the days when it was still fully functioning.

A packed museum was host to the festival book launch on Thursday night with family members and old friends coming together and eagerly buying the handsome publication which narrates the stories of 13 Clonmel Elders.
Other festival highlights include the Culture Night programme at Hearns’ ballroom (relocated from the Kickham Plaza) which played host to storyteller Orla McGovern, Cork-based musical trio the Fresh Air Collective and the multicultural 8-piece Baile an Salsa which blend seamlessly South American dance tunes with Irish rhythms and melodies.
Saturday played host to the very popular Harvest Fair extended this year to include more arts activities, performers and craft and community stalls, as well as the very popular apple pressing with members of the Carlow Cider collective.
Hoolahoop demonstrations, a circle dance lead by Ruti Lachs of the Fresh Air Collective, the Apple Farm’s display tractor and other artistic displays such as the beautiful flower mandala and the popular rush donkey were also evident to the delight of an eager crowd.

This years Harvest procession, which was due to carry the specially commissioned Wisdom Salmon by Lynn Kirkham through town had to be cancelled due to high winds, but the latter finale and fire spectacular by Rogù Arts took place as planned at Denis Burke Park.

The small appreciative crowd were treated to an astonishing display in the dramatic settings of the park.
Due to bad weather forecasts, Sunday’s outdoor offerings have been rescheduled to October 8 at noon for the biodiversity walk and the October 15 for the mushroom foraging. Tickets and refunds for these can be accessed via the festival website and refund requested via email.

All in all, a very enjoyable weekend enhanced by the colourful biodiversity themed flags and the joyous presence of the resident Fresh Air Collective trio who performed in several locations throughout town over the four days. The festival wishes to thank all the participating artists and volunteers, as well as the sponsors and partners who came on board to help realise the vision behind the Harvest programme.
For regular updates on seasonal events, the Applefest newsletter can be accessed via the festival website: www.clonmelapplefest.ie and on the usual social media.