20th Baltimore Fiddle Fair, 9-13 May 2012

Thanks to Declan McCarthy, organiser of the Baltimore Fiddle Fair in Co. Cork, for this news on the Fair as it reaches a major milestone:

The remarkable festival that is the Baltimore Fiddle Fair celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and it promises to be a very special birthday party. From humble beginnings in 1992 this unique festival has grown a little in size and a lot in stature and is now a key fixture on Irish and international music calendars. To celebrate this landmark edition they have invited back some of their favourite acts from the past 20 years to showcase the wonderfully varied and eclectic music that is the heart of this festival. The result is a programme that is simply astonishing...

The full schedule is on the Fair's website; artists of special interest to BIB readers include Tim O’Brien, Frankie Lane & Dermie Diamond, Any Old Time, Cleek Schrey & Nic Gareiss, and the Friday evening concert stars, Old Time greats the Foghorn Stringband (above left) with special guest Dirk Powell (above right). Declan's release continues:

These intimate concerts will be held in unique venues across Baltimore, from garden amphitheatres to ancient castles to cosy marquees, and all in one of the most stunning festival settings on the planet. As a special, anniversary treat, the festival will kick off a day early on Wednesday 9th May and will run until Sunday 13th. The 20th Baltimore Fiddle Fair will also include a host of additional events including top-class workshops, film screenings, art exhibitions, and a plethora of great sessions in and around the village.

For many musicians and music lovers, the annual pilgrimage to the Baltimore Fiddle Fair is the musical highlight of the year. And this very special edition promises to be the best yet.

Tickets for the Fair are now on sale online.