If you have an interest in all things Irish or boast Irish heritage you may be interested in attending the East Durham Irish Festival. This annual event is in its 38th year and it gets bigger and better as time goes on. Many of the attendees are regulars, so if this is your first visit you might wonder why it took you so long.
The event takes place on May 23 and 24 this year and represents a great opportunity for you to see and hear some of the finest Irish music and bands. Thousands of people are expected to go along for this year’s event, which is considered to have one of the best line-ups ever. In the past, bands and performers have included The Andy Cooney Band, Hermitage Greene, Celtic Cross, and Hair of the Dog, among many others. This year’s line-up will include some new names too.
In addition you also get to see performances by bagpipe bands and step dancing shows. The event will be taking place in no less than three music pavilions at the Michael J Quill Irish Cultural & Sports Centre in East Durham.
So what happens if you don’t live in the area but you still want to visit? There are plenty of options in terms of accommodation. What’s more, there are free camping facilities and motor home parking so you can just pitch up for the two days with no worries about finding a bed for the night. However, you do need to book a pitch in advance, so be sure not to forget as places are limited. Kids will love the chance to camp out for a day or two very close to where all the entertainment is.
The festival is about more than music though and if you want to bring along the family you can, as there is an Irish Heritage Family Park where there are theater and dance workshops that you can take part in. There is also a variety of rides and children’s music performances to keep the entire family amused. You also get the opportunity to pick up a souvenir or two as there is a variety of stalls where you can buy items such as T-shirts and other Irish-related paraphernalia. Make sure you take advantage of the various Irish food and drink stalls on offer; this is a great place to try something that you might not have considered before.
Getting a ticket is easy; you just pick one up on the day. If you go along make sure that you have proof of ID with you. If you want to pick up your ticket in advance you can, but be sure to call ahead to book.
New York has a strong Irish quarter and heritage and now you know that there is more to the Celtic side of the city than just the Irish bars why not come along and find out for yourself?
