Great music and weather were a winning combination for Clonmel Busking Festival

Clonmel's streets, public spaces and pubs was filled with the music and song of hundreds of performers last weekend as the town celebrated its most successful Busking Festival in the event’s 14 year history.

Great weather combined with a huge variety of music talent to draw large crowds to the key outdoor events at Kickham Plaza, the Main Guard and Denis Burke Park over the three-day festival that ran from Friday, August 8 until Sunday, August 10.

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Mayor of Clonmel and Chairman of Clonmel Busking Festival Cllr Pat English said the festival’s line up of performing artists included more than 30 bands and the organising committee was delighted with the massive crowds that gathered Kickham Plaza last Friday and Saturday to enjoy the live music.

“We were blessed with the weather and the bands and solo artists were excellent. It’s great to see such a wealth of talent in Clonmel,” he said.

The Festival kicked off early on Friday afternoon with performances by Cashel band Ferns, DJ Mad Patsy and singer Mia McCarthy before the official opening gig by well-known Cork busker Allie Sherlock, who was followed by local band KYB.

The Sala Dance Club, Charcoal Greys and The Waheys performed at the Plaza on Saturday afternoon with Devil’s Cadillac taking the stage in the evening to play Oasis hits.

There was also a feast of entertainment at The Main Guard on Saturday creating a real festive vibe in the town centre.

It was the venue for performances by the RK Vocal Studio students, Linda’s Kids Choir and a showcase of gigs by young bands along with the final of the Festival’s busking competition that also took place at East Lane.

The Dara Vincent Band were the overall winners of the Clonmel Busking Festival's Busking Contest. They are pictured here at East Lane in Clonmel.

The Dara Vincent Band were both the Band Category winner and overall winner of the Festival's busking contest. Faye O’Sullivan was the Junior Category winner, Mia McCarthy won the Intermediate Category and Andy Bell won the Senior Category.

Cllr English said the town’s pubs were also hive of music activity as they hosted gigs featuring a wide array of performers.

The Festival’s grand finale was the family fun day at Denis Burke Park, which was opened by Banna Cluain Meala. Foul Play, Angel and the Dead Hearts and the Papa Zitas also entertained the large crowd that visited the riverside park for the event.

Sadbhd Patterson performing at the Clonmel Busking Festival 

Check out more photos from Clonmel Busking Festival in this week's edition of The Nationalist now on sale in local shops. 

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