Johnny Doherty Festival Ardara 2012

Johnny Doherty Festival Ardara 2013

Johnny Doherty Festival Ardara 2013

This year’s Johnny Doherty Festival takes place in Ardara on the weekend of September 27-29.

Following on from the huge success of last year’s festival which brought people from all over the world to the scenic town of Ardara, the organisers are confident of a successful weekend again this year. The organisers hope to provide something for everyone to enjoy, with Concerts, Ceilis, Barn Dances, Sean Nós, Set Dancing, Workshops, Pub and Street Sessions.

Celebrating its 5th anniversary, this festival is going from strength to strength. It all kicks off this year on Thursday the 26th September with the unveiling, at the Diamond, Main Street, Ardara, of a sculpture dedicated to the fiddle legend Johnny Doherty. This stunning sculpture was commissioned by the Ardara Comhaltas branch and was sculpted by Redmond Herrity.

Already confirmed for the weekend are the ever popular Irish/American group Cherish The Ladies who make a welcome return to the festival. Also appearing will be the very talented Friel sisters from Glasgow. The Campbell family, Denise Boyle, Martin McGinley, Derek McGinley, Tara Connaghan, Aidan O’Donnell, Jim Byrne, Fiona Heywood and Donna Harkin are just some of the musicians who will feature throughout the weekend.

The Emerald Ceilidh Band and Ceilidh Time will provide the music for the sets and ceilidh dances.
Set dancing workshops with Mick Mulkerrin and a ceilidh with Clement Gallagher will feature on Saturday the 28th along with master class workshops in fiddle, flute, accordion and piano – workshops must be booked in advance.

There will also be pub and street sessions throughout the weekend.

For full details of the programme, visit www.johnnydohertyfestival.com