Mayo festival to mark 40th birthday in real style
Some of the huge attendance at the opening of Síamsa Sráide in Swinford in 1989. Picture: Western People Archive
There is an action-packed programme in store as Swinford’s Síamsa Sráide celebrates 40 years.
The six-day event promises to be bigger and better than ever with an eclectic series of events set to cater to all ages and interests.
“The success of the festival is thanks to the support of the local community, businesses, clubs and organisations,” said Brendan Cassidy, PRO of the festival.
“This is a real celebration of Swinford and the community. It’s all about Swinford people, the town and its surroundings,” he added.
The official opening of the festival takes place at the Gateway Hotel on Friday, August 2. There will be special commemorative evening to celebrate the Síamsa’s 40-year anniversary. Founding members of the festival will share their memories and there will be snapshots of past events though photographs and an archival display.
On Saturday, August 3, the Indoor Market in Swinford Cultural Centre is sure to be a big hit.
Swinford Courthouse will play host to the Irish premiere of multi-award-winning documentary, 'We’re not making Gone with the Wind'. The film charts the story of Noreen Cooke, who left Swinford in the 1950s to forge a new life in London.
Saturday’s events continue with a family fun day at Robert McCallion Memorial Park; a Youth Céilí at the Cultural Centre; and the Time to Shine Talent Contest at Julian’s of Midfield.
On Sunday, August 4, there will be a whole host of spectacular musical performances. Lovefest 24 will be staged in the White House and there will be free open-air music courtesy of John McNicholl.
The White House will also be the venue for a Seisiún Ceoil na nÓg and there will be free children’s entertainment in the Cultural Centre.
History looms large in this year’s programme and on Monday there will a historic walking tour of Swinford. Swinford National School will be the venue for an illuminating presentation and exhibition by the students of St Joseph’s Community School, Charlestown on, 'The Revolutionary Women of East Mayo and South Sligo 1918-1923'.
Later that evening there will also be a historical pageant, entitled, 'The Humors of Mayo', celebrating the county’s music, song, dance, story and poetry traditions.
The diaspora are a key part of the Síamsa Sráide and a Meet the Diaspora event takes place in the Gateway Hotel on Monday afternoon.
Heritage, Crafts, and Emigrants will be celebrated on Tuesday with period costumes, stalls, fancy dress and open-air music throughout the day and into the evening.
The Old Harvest Fair Day rolls into Swinford on Wednesday with street stalls, drama and more incredible music.
The Síamsa Ras and the Síamsa Fun Run for under-12s also take place on Wednesday.
There is so much on offer in this year’s festival programme so get yourself to Swinford and soak up the incredible atmosphere of this truly special community festival.
