For the 45th Girvan Traditional Folk Festival is gearing up to take centre stage from this Friday, May 3 to Sunday, May 5 and another fantastic weekend of entertainment is promised.
There’s going to be something for everyone this weekend ranging from concerts to pub sessions, dance ceilidhs, workshops, competitions and childrens fun. Plus this year, a traditional market and art exhibition will make Girvan the place to be over the weekend. Some of the acts include: Bob Fox, Cathal McConnell, James Patterson and John Dipper; Jock Tamson’s Ideal Band, Fiona Ross with Brian Miller, Rosie Stewart; Dave Goulder, Colum Sands, the McKeaney Sisters; Sandra Kerr, Bob Blair, Fiona Heywood; Jim Byrne and Peter Campbell, Gary West, Scott Gardiner; Mike Vass, Dick Gaughan, Heather Yule; Ally and Maggie Macrae, Ollie Rigg, Bill Barclay, Hamish Denholm; The Barrstools, Artie’s Tartan Tales, Susie Kelly, Jock’s Jocks and other special events.
A spokesman said: “Watch out for the inaugural performance of ‘Jock Tamson’s Ideal Band’ and the story behind minister Jock Tamson and his bairns.”
The festival gets underway on Friday with the opening concert at The Catholic Hall with the Cathal McConnell Trio and guests. In addition, there’s poetry, songs and stories going on at Townhouse from 8pm, while the Festival Folk Club are at the Westcliffe (10.30pm) with late night extra, featuring Rosie Stewart, the McKeaney Sisters, Maggie Macrae and more at the Catholic Hall. More entertainment gets underway at the Townhouse on Saturday from 11am with a Songwriters Forum featuring Colum Sands, Dave Goulder, Dick Gaughan and Mike Vass- and a Traditional singing competition at the Westcliffe.
Over at the McKechnie Institute there’s a book launch and an art exhibition official opening. At 2pm, the Bobby Robb Tribute concert, with special guests, takes place at the Catholic Hall, while the Big Sing is on at the Queens Hotel. The fun continues as Artie’s Tartan Tales and the Next Generation is on at the Quay Zone. Starting at 8pm is the Kist o’Riches concert with Jock Tamson’s Ideal Band and special guests. The Festival Folk Club is back at the Westcliffe including a Ceilidh/concert, before the Late Night Extra at the Catholic Hall. Girvan Folk Festival is also pleased to be in collaboration with the South West Scotland Community Rail Partnership and Scotrail in promoting the 2019 festival. Other funders include South Ayrshire Council, Foundation Scotland, Carrick Futures, Falck Community Fund, Kilgallioch Community Fund, William Grant Distillers and Glasgow TMSA. Check out the full programme at; www.girvanfolkfestival.org.uk. Weekend tickets costs £40/35, while a Saturday all day ticket is £30/25, while a Sunday all day ticket is £20/£15.
