Rostrevor set to host the 2024 Fiddler's Green Festival

The village of Rostrevor is gearing up for an exciting week as the Fiddler's Green Festival returns from July 24th to 28th, 2024.

With an extraordinary lineup of folk and traditional music, the festival promises to be a haven for music lovers from around the world.

This year’s headline acts include the legendary Paul Brady, The Sands Family, Eleanor Shanley & Garadice, Máirtín O’Connor, Seamie O’Dowd & Cathal Hayden, Ríoghnach Connolly, Lisa Lambe, Steve Cooney, and many more. The festival will feature plenty of gigs in the village pubs and on the open-air stage, creating a wonderful atmosphere with music bursting from every door.

Highlights also include The Festival Folk Club, nightly in St. Bronagh’s Social Club, which hosts a line-up of internationally acclaimed artists, and the Acoustic Stage in An Cuan, featuring a mix of local up-and-coming performers and major established artists every afternoon.

A Labor of Love by the Community

The festival’s success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the voluntary committee and various community groups. Their tireless efforts ensure that the Fiddler's Green Festival remains a highlight of the cultural calendar, embodying the spirit of Rostrevor.

International Flair and Family Fun

The festival attracts visitors from the USA, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Holland, Australia, Canada, and beyond, making it a truly international event. This year’s program includes a wide range of activities for all ages. The kids' program offers arts and crafts, music workshops, and more, while the "In Tune with Nature" initiative celebrates Rostrevor's environmental dedication and natural beauty. The walking festival will guide attendees through the beautiful local landscapes in the Mourne Mountains. 

The Music of Healing: 

The Music of Healing,” event is inspired by a song co-written by Tommy Sands and the late Pete Seeger. This session, a staple of the festival for 30 years, will have a prelude event earlier in the day. Tommy Sands, alongside singers and musicians, welcomes guests with diverse political and religious views, fostering understanding and reconciliation through music. This year’s notable guests include:

Bernadette (Devlin) McAliskey, Irish civil rights leader and former politician

Brian Ervine, former leader of the Progressive Unionist Party (PUP) and songwriter

Linda Ervine MBE, Manager of Turas, an Irish Language Project in East Belfast

Mike Hanrahan, songwriter and guitarist with Stockton’s Wing, and Senior Fellow at The Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin

Honouring Excellence in the Arts

Since its inception at the turn of the century, the Creative Arts Award has recognized notable achievements in arts, literacy, and culture. This year’s recipient is Linda Ervine MBE, acknowledged for her work with Turas and her role in founding Scoil na Seolta, an integrated, Irish-medium primary and nursery school. Linda’s research and dedication highlight how indigenous languages can bridge cultural divides and build a shared future. In a special segment, Tommy Sands will discuss Linda's journey and may even coax a song from her talented husband, playwright, and former PUP leader, Brian Ervine.

Hall of Fame Award

This year, the prestigious Hall of Fame Award goes to the legendary Paul Brady, honouring his outstanding contributions to folk and traditional music. Paul Brady's remarkable career and influence have left an indelible mark on the music world, making him a deserving recipient of this award.

A Celebration for All

With concerts, storytelling, céilís, films, Irish language events, health and wellness workshops, and spontaneous sessions throughout the village, the Fiddler's Green Festival offers something for everyone. Festival Chairman Gabriel Bradley expressed his enthusiasm, “We are delighted to host the Fiddler's Green Festival once again and welcome everyone to Rostrevor. This event is all about celebrating music, culture, and community, and we can't wait to see the village filled with energy, music, and dancing.”

Join Us

Don’t miss this week-long celebration of music and culture in the heart of Rostrevor. Tickets are available now on our website. Come and be a part of the Fiddler's Green Festival 2024!

Event Details:

Dates: Tues July 24th - 28th, 2024

Location: Rostrevor, County Down.

Tickets: Available at https://fiddlersgreenfestival.com/

For more information, please visit our website or social media.