Food, birds, world music, and a harvest fair to feature at a Tipperary festival

The 7th edition of Clonmel Applefest is set to launch on Thursday, September 26, offering four days of vibrant activities, community events, and captivating entertainment, all rooted in the theme of food.

This year’s festival will feature an array of exciting events and opportunities for locals and visitors to immerse themselves in the essence of autumn. Highlights include the much-anticipated book launch of The Elders of Clonmel Part II, a culmination of months of writing and a masterclass by Kathy Donaghy. This compelling book, celebrating the life stories of key older citizens of Clonmel, will officially open the festival at the Town Hall on Thursday evening.

Storytelling enthusiasts will be treated to two special events at Baker’s Bar. On Thursday night, the Clonmel Story Slam, hosted by Joe Whelan, invites storytellers of all levels to share their personal tales. The festival’s final day will feature the Burning Cave Spoken Word Cabaret on Sunday, September 28, at 8 pm, blending spoken word with musical and beat collaborations in an experimental setting with musical soundscape by Eoin Hally. The first half of the evening is a curated event with the second half, an open invitation to perform for local performers.

In keeping with the festival’s commitment to environmental stewardship, ornithologist and environmental activist Seán Ronayne of RTE’s ‘Birdsong’ will present an illustrated talk on Friday, September 27th, at 7 pm at Clonmel’s Main Guard. The event is co-host by Suircan Environmental and Hedgerow Ireland, with introduction by their secretary Alan Moore. Additionally, Birdwatch Ireland will lead a ‘Food for the Birds’ walk on Sunday, September 29th, at 11 am, providing valuable information about how to protect our native bird populations.

Adding an international flavour to the festival, this year’s artist-in-residence is Johanna-Adele Jüssi from Norway. Although originally from Estonia, Jüssi’s unique musical style which blends Estonian tunes with Scandi Jazz will be featured at various festival events. Her Trio will join forces with local Sun Merchant trio for a World Music Double Bill at O’Keeffe’s Bar 4 on Friday, September 27th from 8.30pm. Jüssi ‘s trio will also perform at the Food, Wine & Music Soirée at The Hub on Saturday, September 28th, where attendees can enjoy a delightful evening of music, food, and beverages. A number of free concerts are also on the cards.

The festival’s flagship Harvest Fair returns this year to the new Civic Plaza. Scheduled for Saturday, September 28th, from 11 am, the fair will feature an assortment of food trucks, arts and crafts activities, community booths, and live music. This year will also feature a specially commissioned ‘JUICE DANCE’ piece by the North Tipp Instant Dissidence company during which the four dancers will perform while pressing apples for juice which members of the audience can then take home. The piece will be performed throughout the day with a musical break between one and two pm when the popular Uproar choir will perform some of their favourite tunes. As a popular highlight for Clonmel locals, early arrival is recommended to fully enjoy the Autumn festivities.

With additional walks, talks, workshops, and exhibitions throughout Clonmel, the festival offers something for every interest and budget. People are reminded to dress appropriately for the weather especially for outdoor events. For a full program and ticket information, please visit www.clonmelapplefest.ie or find us on social media.
Clonmel Applefest would like to extend its gratitude to Tipperary Council, the Arts Council of Ireland, the HSE/National Lottery fund, Creative Ireland, and the ETB Reach programme for their ongoing support. Local sponsors Artisan Frames, Camida, Clonmel Credit Union, Scott Ryan Solicitors, and Westgate Dental are also acknowledged for their vital contributions.