This year’s Crawley Irish Festival on Sunday 26^th August has got the X Factor.

 

This year in its 23rd year Crawley Irish Festival organisers can boast a festival with all the ingredients of X Factor

 

 

John McNicholl on tour from Derry and no stranger to the Irish Festival Circuit headlines a fabulous line up of musical talent from across Britain and Ireland from modern and traditional Irish music and open dance competitions.

After some fantastic performances in the past John is back by public and popular demand and really looking forward to Festival Day on Sunday 26th August.

He is joined by X-Factor semi-finalist Mary Byrne making her debut at Crawley . Although she was pipped for a place in the final in 2010, she won the hearts of millions with her big, warm personality and powerhouse voice.

She has since gone from strength to strength with performing for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on her historic State Visit to Ireland and has shared the stage with Neil Diamond.

The Festival now in its 23^rd Year and recognised as the only Irish Festival of its type in Britain attracts fantastic crowds from across the South East of the UK, has built a reputation as a great family day out over the August Bank holiday weekend.

All in all its about showcasing Irish Culture with the remit also to encourage Crawley’s diverse and vibrant community to participate in a greater understanding of that culture. The idea of the festival is to bring cultures and communities together through participation and integration which can only be good for the town and it’s inhabitants.

The Hawth Theatre once again plays host to the annual festival promising a fantastic day out for the whole family, and a chance to enjoy the very best and Irish entertainment and culture. It’s not to be missed – so be sure to save the date, 26^th August.

What’s on offer?

Every year the festival offers a wonderful array of entertainment, music, sport and dance – and this year is no exception!

From humble beginnings, the festival has built up a strong following attracting over 6,000 people yearly.  It has something for everybody of every age and background with music, song, dance and lots more and always adds to a great Bank Holiday treat with an Irish Buzz to it and IT’S ALL FREE.

It features 3 different music areas catering from traditional to country to contemporary.

• The ‘Foundation Developments Limited’ MAIN STAGE Mc’d by Gerry Molumby and featuring John McNicholl, Mary Byrne, Reel Strings, Celtic Crunch
• The ‘Coinford’ TRADITIONAL STAGE MC’d by Patrick O Connell features Simon Doyle and Family, Irish Mist, Strawdogs, Marian Waldron, Chris O’Malley and Friends
• The ‘Killoughery Group’ 7 hour MUSIC SESSION hosting Celtic Crunch and Strawdogs as they provide a musical backdrop where acts from across the festival are joined with local bands adding to a great mix of music throughout the day.

The younger element are well catered for by the ‘J.Devine Civil Engineering’ CHILDREN’S ARENA with particular emphasis on traditions and folklore and art workshops, plus kids drama corner and storytelling by Deirdre O’Byrne

Elsewhere, the Irish Dancing Arena features the famous Crawley Ceili with music from Tony Kearney and dancing displays from Crawley’s Irish Dance Schools.

The #GreenHearts team from Irish in Britain are doing blood pressure screenings to #knowyourscore and will be  giving advise on heart disease and the many ways to help keep a healthy heart 💚 http://bit.ly/IrishHearts

Cultural identity is featured strongly with an Irish Shop, Big Screen TV, a photo exhibition, and various food and craft stalls and displays

Martin Logan of Sky TV is recording a programme on the festival for his ‘Irish in the UK’ TV show to be broadcast a week later. Neil Munday of SuzyRadio103.4 and his team are broadcasting live all day.

It all kicks off at 12 noon and runs for 7 hours at The Hawth Theatre in Central Crawley.     

Save the date! 26^th August

The festival is a fantastic day out for the whole family and with a wide selection of food and refreshment stalls, it’s an ideal bank holiday treat!

For more info check out www.celtic-irish.co.uk/festival being updated weekly or call John Nolan on 01293 513189

How to get there

By Road: SatNav Postcode: RH10 6YZ

By Air: Gatwick Airport

By Train: The Hawth is within easy walking distance from Crawley and Three Bridges BR stations