Winter Music Weekend: new plans, new programme - and a concert (20 Nov.)

Thanks to Brendan Walsh, director of the annual Winter Music Weekend in Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare, who reports on major developments in the festival:

A very positive 'Development & Analysis' report on the Winter Music Weekend has been completed by May Day Marketing. This report was funded by Clare Local Development Company and the Winter Music Weekend festival committee.

The document lays out a way forward for the future, drawing on all the strengths of the festival. The report suggests a restructuring of the festival organisational machine, which would encourage participation of all people within the community.

All interested parties are invited to attend an open public meeting in the Courthouse, Sixmilebridge, next Wednesday (17 November) at 7.30 p.m. The agenda is as follows:

Doors open from 7.15 p.m. Teas & coffee served.
7.30 p.m. Review of report presented by Padraigh Cleary, May Day Marketing.
7.50 p.m. Address by Brendan Walsh, festival director.
8.00 p.m. Questions from the audience.

The meeting will finish no later than 9.00 p.m. Database skills, administration, and marketing skills are particularly short, so maybe you can help.

Brendan notes that the festival committee have made great progress in clearing the deficit from the 2010 event, and the final push to clear the remaining €2,500 takes the form of a concert next Saturday (20 Nov.) at 8.00 p.m. sharp in the Courthouse, featuring Shaskeen along with Josephine Marsh & Mick Kinsella. Shaskeen, of course, features Tom Cussen, maker of the splendid Clareen banjos. Brendan adds:

Tickets are €20 each, with family tickets only €50. Please support the concert: our artistes are playing for us FREE, so your full ticket price will go straight into reducing the debt. To book tickets, text your requirements to 086 8464509 and I will keep them at the door for collection.

Finally I would greatly appreciate it if you could pass this e-mail on to anyone you know that might be interested, particularly in the Sixmilebridge area. You can also help by adding favourable comments to our Facebook page!

WMW 2011 will be held on 13-16 January 2011. Heading the bluegrass section of the programme will be perennial favourites, the Special Consensus (USA), seen at top in their present lineup. The full programme can be seen here.