Events: Spirit of Folk Festival 23 - 25th September 2011
- post update: the culch.ie guide to: the spirit of folk
If I was ever to find an alternate to the early days of Electric Picnic, I think this is the closest I will get…. I say I think, coz it is Year 1 [of many, I hope] for the event. Before you might ask: yes, I shall be going to the ball. Never heard of it ? Here’s the low down…..
- Type: Boutique Festival
- Name: Spirit of Folk festival
- Dates: September 23 to 25 2011
- Venue: The stunning grounds of Dunderry Park, Co. Meath
More important bullet points:
- Tickets: €95 for w/e camping pass, €59 Saturday Only. Kids under 12 free.
- Buy them at: tickets.ie or direct from Dunderry Park - call 046 90 74455
- NOTE: no alcohol will be sold on site - those who enjoy a tipple should bring their own [organisers official note].
- They say: the friendliest festival you’ll attend this year.
They’ve put an emphasis on community-based activities, as well as 70′s folk heroes, Dr Strangely Strange, which have just been added to the line up, will take to the special Magnakata stage along with Gay Woods of Steeleye Span [how well do you know your Pogues History ?], Fiach, Lisa O’Neill, Rob Cunningham, The Young Folk, Owensie, Hot Sprockets and St John the Gambler.
The weekend will kick off with a lively Ceili Mor on Friday and guests are encouraged to bring their own musical instruments and join in the fun.
More unconventional activities include, archery, ancient astronomy, falconry, battle re-enactments, storytelling in a candle lit cairn, burning effigies, medieval games, fireworks, community games, shamanism as well as a Mind, Body and Soul area.
Storytellers due to take part include Richard Marsh, Pat Speight as well as Dr Eamon O Giardha. A games area will be held in an Old Moroccan Tent and there will be nightly pub quizzes as well as dinner parties! Outdoor games will include a folk tug-o-war and Rounders and the dedicated kids area will be supervised.
Revellers can indulge themselves in the many holistic treatments that will be on offer including Indian Head Massage, Reiki, Acupuncture as well as a spot of either Kundalini or Laughing Yoga for those who want a meaningful festival awakening.
Campers will not have far to walk to the main festival area and those counting the pennies will be thrilled to know they can bring along their own tipple. However lots of delicious food will be available on site.
Owner of Dunderry Park, Martin Duffy said he decided to run a folk music festival after seeing the revival of folk music, as well an interest in community based activities.
When I saw the recent surge in popularity for smaller niche festivals, I felt it was something I would like to do at Dunderry Park. I thought that in these r*********** times, people feel like going back to basics. I wanted something with a sense of community and something that would lift people’s spirits and would help them connect to their roots
Martin’s main aim is to create a relaxed and intimate space for people who want a real festival experience, but with a twist.
What You May Not Know: Another aim of the Festival is to raise much-needed funds for the charity and centre which he has run for several years. All profits will go towards the Oaktree Charitable Trust, which runs Dunderry Park. The centre provides a space for groups of people who are suffering from depression or anxiety as well as rape crisis groups, youth groups, groups dealing with the effects of the troubles in Northern Ireland and youth mental health.
- Find out More: spiritoffolk.com
- on Facebook: facebook.com/spiritoffolkfestival
- Buy Tickets: tickets.ie
More updates to follow here on Culch.ie. Also The SodShow will also air a Spirit of Folk special Friday 26th August. Well, fair is fair, we did an Electric Picnic [green] special.
