Photos by Amanda Burke
Despite the deluge, a large crowd of music fans attended the launch of the 26th Smithwick’s Kilkenny Roots Festival at the Smithwick’s Experience building last Thursday night. The festival runs from May 3rd to May 6th in venues throughout Kilkenny city.
The horrible weather meant that the event was moved from The Barrel Yard into the main building. Hopefully conditions will improve in time for the festival, when two gigs will be held in The Barrel Yard.
Ignacio Peregrina, Smithwick’s Experience Manager, welcomed the guests to the evening before handing the microphone to Anthony Morrison, Chairman of Kilkenny Vintners. He outlined the importance of events such as Kilkenny Roots to the overall economy of Kilkenny and not just the participating pubs and hotels.
Festival Director, John Cleere, then gave an outline of the programme of ticketed and free events. In total 100 gigs are scheduled over the four days with over 70 free shows on the Smithwick’s Music Trail. He estimated that the festival has held almost 2,500 shows over the years and is still the musical highlight of the year for many local and visiting music fans.
Colin Kenny, Sales and Quality Manager – South at Diageo, replied on behalf of the main sponsors, Smithwick’s. Diageo has been the title sponsor since the festival’s inception in 1998 and he emphasized their continued support for the festival into future years.
Music from The Broken Spokes and delicious food from Muse Catering rounded off a great night.
Full details of all shows are on the festival website https://kilkennyroots.com/ and the festival’s printed programme is available in venues throughout Kilkenny and from Rollercoaster Records
