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Fiddler's Green International Festival
Annual folk music and cultural festival in Rostrevor, Northern Ireland From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Fiddler's Green International Festival is an annual folk music and cultural festival held in Rostrevor, County Down, Northern Ireland. Established in 1987,[1] the festival has become one of the longest-running and most respected folk festivals on the island of Ireland.[2] It typically takes place over the course of a week in late July.
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Overview
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The festival features a wide variety of events including concerts, workshops, art exhibitions, storytelling sessions, poetry readings, céilís, and outdoor performances. Programming ranges from traditional Irish music to contemporary folk and world music, with performances taking place in venues throughout Rostrevor, including churches, schools, pubs, An Cuan, and open-air stages.[1] In addition to music, the festival places a strong emphasis on community involvement, culture, and the arts. Family-friendly activities and events for all ages are a core part of the festival ethos.[3] Fiddler's Green has become a major cultural event in the calendar of Rostrevor and the surrounding area, drawing thousands of visitors annually.[4] The festival contributes significantly to the local economy and plays a role in promoting tourism, cross-cultural exchange, and community pride.[1][2]
Signature events of the festival include an open-air performance in the Fiddler's Green meadow in Kilbroney Park, the "20 Singers, 20 Songs" variety show, the nightly Festival Folk Club in St. Bronagh’s Social Club, and the "Music of Healing" event curated by Tommy Sands featuring music and dialogue among guest speakers with diverse political and religious views.[2][5]
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History
The festival was founded in 1987 by a group of local musicians and community members who wanted to celebrate the region's rich folk traditions and the musical heritage of Rostrevor. Named after the mythical “Fiddler’s Green,” a sailor’s paradise of eternal music and merriment, the festival was inspired by the spirit of traditional Irish music and the storytelling culture of the Mourne region.[1]
Over the years, the festival has grown significantly in scale and reputation. It has hosted prominent local and international artists, as well as serving as a platform for emerging local talent. Despite its growth, the festival has retained its grassroots atmosphere and community focus.[2]
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Notable artists and contributors
Local singer-songwriter Tommy Sands, known for his music and peace activism, has been a recurring presence and a key figure in the festival's development alongside other members of his family band, The Sands Family.[3] The festival has welcomed a range of celebrated artists over the years, including musicians such as Sean McGuire, Tommy Makem, The Dubliners, The Clancy Brothers, De Dannan, Paul Brady, Clannad, Seán Keane, Dana, and Cara Dillon, as well as other creators such as the poet Seamus Heaney and Irish language advocate Linda Ervine.[1][2][5][6]
Annual awards
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The festival presents two annual awards. The Fiddler's Green Festival Hall of Fame Award is awarded to "an individual or group who has made an outstanding contribution to Irish Music and Tradition".[7] The Fiddler’s Green Festival Creative Arts Award "acknowledges achievement in the Arts & Literacy field".[8]
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References
External links
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