Fáilte is fiche romhaibh go léir go dtí an 32ú Féile Traidisiúnta Chorcaí. Tá clár breá suimiúil curtha le céile againn daoibh i mbliana - ceol, rince agus amhráin.  Tá súil againn go mbainfidh sibh uilig taitneamh as an deireadh seachtaine seo.

Welcome to the 32nd Cork Folk Festival, we have a really great programme of folk and traditional music at some great venues for you to enjoy.

Traditional music is to the fore this year with some legendary musicians and singers to savour. Our headline act ‘T with the Maggies’ whose members are some of Ireland’s finest traditional singers featuring Moya Brennan of Clannad, Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill from the Bothy Band, Maighread Ní Dhomhnaill of Skara Brae and Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh of Altan. 

We realise that people are suffering from the ongoing recession in Ireland and to help people enjoy the weekend we have reduced the prices of concerts and have included many free events.

On that note our programme includes ‘Folk the Recession’ a band of great musicians who show the two fingers to Ireland’s financial meltdown, it features Eleanor Shanley, Mick Hanly, Seamus Begley, Frankie Lane and Paul Kelly.

In addition this year we are celebrating the musical lives of two special people, Sean Ó Riada and Seamus Creagh. In honour of Seamus and Sean we have programmed two unique concerts at the new Triskel Christchurch venue featuring a host of talented musicians.

As expected we are including all the elements that have sustained the event over 32 years, the pipes, fiddle, and box concerts, Live in the Community, the Céilí Mór and new events, a photo exhibition, childrens’ workshops and the revival of the traditional song competition. 

Added to this, we have programmed a series of concerts that will feature an international line up of iconic musicians including, Julie Felix, Sons of the Delta, Cherish the Ladies, Katell Keineg, Roy Bailey, the intercultural group Convergence Ensemble and Billy Sutton & Graham Wells who travelled from Newfoundland to play at the concert for Seamus Creagh.

Over the years the festival has built up a fine reputation for good music and great craic. We are confident that this year will be another memorable one for Cork people and visitors to the city.

We would like to thank all those who have contributed to the ongoing success of the festival. In particular, we wish to express our sincere thanks to all the musicians who have played at the festival over the years. Without them there would be no event!

We would also like to thank all those who contribute financially to the cost of staging the festival. Cork City Council, the Arts Council, Fáilte Ireland, Beamish Irish Stout and CIT, each deserve a special mention.

To those who support us through media sponsorship – the Evening Echo and C103FM - or in any other way we say thank you.

In conclusion we wish to acknowledge the work of all the voluntary staff - past and present - who give generously of their time and energy to ensure the continued success of the Cork Folk Festival. It is a tribute to all of you that the festival continues to thrive.

Enjoy the weekend!

William Hammond and Jim Walsh