We had the most wonderful festival – from start to finish a great success. Huge thanks to all those who helped in any way to make this a memorable, fantastic festival.
Testimony from a local “Everyone is talking about how much they really enjoyed it all. You are all doing amazing work, well done to all the team. You have made the village and community atmosphere come alive again”
Hold the dates and spread the word! A 2 day festival on Sunday and Monday of the bank holiday weekend – June 4th and 5th. Lots of plans afoot to make this a special 2 days of entertainment and fun.
Concert – Opening festival event
The opening event of the 2 day festival will be a concert in St. Edan’s Cathedral on Sunday, June 4th starting at 7.30pm. It will feature The Allabair Trio and our very own ‘Chord On Blues’ choir. The concert is the final part of an original song cycle, phase 1 of which was performed last year to a packed attendance in the Cathedral. Don’t miss this world premiere performance of the final 3 phased suite.
Tickets for the concert are €12 and are available from Eventbrite – book tickets here
The Allabair Trio with Melanie O’Reilly on vocals, David Creevy on guitar and Brewen Favreau o Uillean Pipes/Low Whistle (left)
Our local choir, the Chord On Blues will feature as guests in the concert.
On Sunday, we’ll have music in local pubs as well as some busking which we’re really looking forward to. Watch this space for details of acts performing. (see below for musicians and venues).
On Monday, June 5th, a parade from the Cathedral to Ferns Castle with giant puppets, medieval costumes and music will ensure that this will be a truly entertaining family event. In advance of the festival, workshops are being held with local groups to make giant puppets which will feature in the parade. The parade will culminate in re-enactment on horseback and entertainment on an outdoor stage on the Castle green.
Community Parade
On Monday, June 5th, a parade from the Cathedral to Ferns Castle with giant puppets, medieval costumes and music will ensure that this will be a truly entertaining family event. In advance of the festival, workshops are being held with local groups to make giant puppets which will feature in the parade.
The parade will be a mix of visual spectacle, local groups and re-enactors. We’ll see a giant sea monster whose head will have a moving mouth and a large body carried by a chain of performers accompanied by dancers animating fins and waves, bring the sea monster to life. We’ll see other giant puppets feature in the parade, its said that St. David from Wales might even attend!
The Horsemen of Eire will accompany the parade on horseback and along with others in the community, will walk in the parade in medieval costume. Leading the parade will be Bloco Garman, a local Celtic drumming band. The loud upbeat music will amplify the medieval atmosphere.
culminate in re-enactment on horseback and entertainment on an outdoor stage on the Castle green.
The parade and outdoor event on the castle green is being organised by Lantern Events. A full schedule of events will be published closer to the festival.
For updates check in here and keep an eye on our social media.
Music in Local Pubs Schedule
On Sunday, June 4th, music in local pubs will start at 3pm and finish late. Come along and join in the craic. Details of venues and timings as follows:
Dunbars of Ferns, Main St., Ferns Y2 X5P1
- 15:00 Jimi Cullen
- 16:00 Ambassadors Stories
- 16:30 Richard King & Eddie Crean Duo
- 17:30 ACKO
- 18:30 Dermot Byrne
- 19:30 Ambassadors Stories
- 20:00 Brian Wall and Sean Mythen Duo
- 21:00 O’Ceallaigh
- 22:00 Helena & Friends [Trad]
Doyles Bar, The Square, Upper Main St., Ferns Y21 Y5R2
- 15:00 Richard King & Eddie Crean
- 16:00 O’Ceallaigh
- 17:00 Jimi Cullen
- 18:00 Ambassadors Stories
- 18:30 Shane Hurley
- 20:00 Dermot Byrne
- 21:00 ACKO
- 22:00 Arthur Moynihan
The Thatch, The Square, Upper Main St., Ferns Y21 FX07
- 15:00 Shane Hurley
- 16:30 Suzi Brooks White & Friends [trad]
- 19:00 Ambassadors Stories
- 19:30 ACKO
- 20:30 Gary Davitt
- 22:00 Electric Finch
The Courtyard, Upper Main St., Ferns Y21 WP90
- 22.00 The Sweet Sorrows
Thanks to Ancient Connections for their funding of this exciting festival.
Ancient Connections is a 4 year EU funded project led by Wexford County Council and Pembrokeshire County Council (Wales). It aims to revive the ancient links between these two Celtic communities. Over the 4 years activities and support to motivate both communities to rediscover their shared heritage whilst trading knowledge, experience, and skills has taken place.
Ancient Connection’s inspiration was the friendship St Aidan and St David. The Festival of Ferns takes this theme and the many shared myths and legends and brings it to spectacular life with a parade of giant puppets, music, medieval enactments, local talent and more
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