Rocking around the Christmas tree as Yulefest bandstand lifts the soul


Christmas is all about music and Kilkenny’s Yulefest has brought the ‘ceol and craic’ centre-stage with their brand new bandstand on the Parade in the heart of the city centre. The music kicked off on Saturday at the opening ceremony and will continue all the way to December 23rd.
The Yulefest Bandstand started with a chorus on Saturday as the Lady Desart Choir and the Anthony McAuley Trad Trio entertained the Christmas shoppers on the Parade.  The Yulefest Bandstand will provide entertainment throughout the festive season with over 50 live local acts performing over the next month. Performers include: Patrick Rafter & Family, Code of Behaviour, Ali Comerford, The Pinsetters, The Screws, Leonard Barry, John Doyle & Andy Morrow, and many more. There are even some special non-musical performances too.
Supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and their Local Live performance programming scheme, this is a completely free event that can be enjoyed every weekend and every Thursday lunchtime on the Parade.  All acts so far have been well supported and the music adds nicely to the festive atmosphere on the Parade.
Mary Butler, Arts Officer for Kilkenny County Council said
“It’s wonderful to be able to support these great Kilkenny artists through this LLPPS scheme. Keeping it free and open letting everyone enjoy this event really helps us all to discover Kilkenny’s varied musical talent. There was such a lovely atmosphere at the weekend with some great musicians with lots of people dancing and enjoying the performances.
This coming weekend includes The Savage Jim Breen, Hot4 Jazz, Kairen Caine, the Pinsetters and also a newly formed Yulefest Ceili Band. Once again there will be something for all musical tastes.
There is fantastic musical talent in Kilkenny. Let’s make sure we come out and support the acts. You might even find your new favourite sound.”
The full Yulefest Bandstand programme is included in this week’s paper and more information can be found at yulefestkilkenny.ie

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