Áth Trasna TradFest

Jonty Crosse of Newmarket Notes met up with Mossie Angland of An Chultúrlann to get more information on the inaugural Áth Trasna TradFest weekend running from 16th to 18th August. This festival is a celebration of traditional Irish music and culture. The anticipation is palpable among the residents of Newmarket.

Before TradFest, Scullys Fest ran in Newmarket from 2004 to 2021. It was a celebration of the traditional music, art and culture of Newmarket and Sliabh Luachra. TradFest is a preliminary 'dipping of the toe' into a revival of a fun weekend of music and certainly tipping the hat to the legacy of Scullys Fest. The festival includes

a variety of sessions, workshops, and concerts, ensuring that there’s something for everyone, from the seasoned trad enthusiast to the curious visitor eager to experience the local culture.

The weekend starts off on Friday 16th with a traditional music evening at the Rock Bar from 8pm11pm. Everyone is welcome to come along and play.

On the Saturday afternoon Cliodna Ducey will be holding a free introduction to Set Dancing event in An Chultúrlann. Everyone from all ages are welcome. Then the famous trad rock band Scullion is performing in the evening which promises to be a great night.

On Sunday 18th there'll be a free Picnic in the Park from 2pm-6pm The park is open to all so everyone come along, set up a picnic with family and friends. The picnic is a great way to socialise for the afternoon. There will be a music stage set up with guest musicians and the Boherbue Set Dancers. People are welcome to bring their own instruments and conduct their own little seisiúns around the field. Bring your own picnics, coolers, frisbees, umbrellas and gazebos! There will be BBQ food available plus a crêperie and other delicious treats as well as bouncy castles! If you would like to help, email maurice.angland@gmail.com or call him on 0872550333.

Music, song, dance and fun for all the family!

Saturday 17th August

Beginners Set Dancing An Chultúrlann From 1pm-3pm

Free entry

The highlight of the weekend, a concert by Irish folk rock band, SCULLION. This promises to be a great night. Tickets €25 available on the door, in local shops and at ticketstop.ie

Sunday 18th August

Family Fun Day: Picnic in the Park

From 2pm-6pm With live outdoor trad music, singing, dance, food stalls, bouncy castles and fun for all the family. Come join us!