The 2017 programme for the Kilkenny Tradfest is full of acclaimed musicians as well as emerging and new talent.
The festival is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year and will once again take place in Kilkenny City over the St Patrick's Day weekend (16th - 19th March).
Bulmers is once again the title sponsor at the festival and the Bulmers Trad Trail at Kilkenny Tradfest is one of the main festival highlights.
Paul Brady is the 2017 headline act while other names include Eleanor McEvoy, Beoga, Ushers Island, Pauline Scanlon, Declan Sinnott & Vickie Keating and The Voice Squad.
The festival showcases traditional and folk music in a variety of unique venues across the city including Kilkenny Castle, the newly opened Medieval Mile Museum and the stunning St Canice's Cathedral.
Festival goers can enjoy over 70 free Trad Trail gigs over the weekend including, Beoga - Thursday 16th March,Paris Texas, Dermot Byrne, Steve Cooney and Brid Harper - Sunday 19th March, Paris Texas, Nuadán, Thursday 16th, Friday 17th, Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th March, Matt the Millers and much more.
Ticketed gigs on Bulmers Trad Trail feature acts like Heidi Talbot, Sunday 19th March, Cleere's Bar & Theatre and Fourth Moon, Sunday 19th March, Billy Byrnes.
Fiona Collins Brand Manager with C & C Gleeson said that the company was delighted to support the Trail and Kilkenny Tradfest, "We are always striving to support the customers and businesses in Kilkenny, our neighbouring city, who continue to be so loyal to our locally produced products. We are proud to be a South East company continuing a tradition of brewing which we share with Kilkenny. We also strive for top quality in all our products and we are delighted that the Tradfest team have put together a festival programme and the Trad Trail which compares with any festival in Ireland."
Commenting on the 2017 launch, Malcolm Noonan, Kilkenny Tradfest Chairperson said, "We are delighted to reveal the 2017 Kilkenny Tradfest Programme, it gives me great pride to see the festival go from strength to strength each year. "
Mr Noonan continued, "The festival is jam packed over the four days, and we are proud to present classic trad music, with contemporary blends as well. There really is something for everyone at Kilkenny Tradfest and without doubt it is the place to be this St. Patrick's Day weekend."
Kilkenny Tradfest has for the first time been shortlisted for an IMRO award - the festival is nominated for the 'IMRO Small Music Festival of the Year 2016' award'.
For the full schedule, with information on tickets please visit: kilkennytradfest.com
