Festival Events - Festival in a Van

Kilkenny 19 & 20 December

We finished up the year in bright winter sunshine, and smiles all round, as we toured nursing homes in the county in the excellent company of Luan Parle and Clive Barnes (pictured), and Enya Cox and Ruby and Heidi Millea from the Alize School of Music, followed by Daniel from the Lady Desart Choir, whose…

Monaghan 17 December

We were back in Monaghan on 17 December (yes, we’re getting our Monaghan Festival in a Van tour t-shirts printed soon) because, whisper it – the Van broke down earlier in the month, and we were determined to reschedule. So it was great to welcome Claire Crehan and Niamh McCormack back for some really super…

Wicklow 13 December

Trumpets through the fog… Niall O’Sullivan and Shóna were simply brilliant in Wicklow. Until you’ve heard them, you’ve now idea the glorious things a trumpet can do, and Shóna’s voice is delicious. Spirits truly lifted at nursing homes in Blainroe and Kilcoole, and then the surprise appearance of a lovely golden retriever puppy sealed the…

Kilkenny 11 December

The lovely Lighthouse Studios invited us to set the stage for a very carefully curated gathering, showing how fifteen people can stay socially distanced and still have a small yet satisfying celebration. So hats off to Cormac Larkin, Scott Flanigan and Tom Caraher, who played mini half hour sessions, and to all who came, stayed…

Westmeath 9 & 10 December

All the craic with Frank Byrne and David Kelly heading to Care Homes and Direct Provision centres. Sometimes we wonder if we should have got Festival in a Hovercraft – yes, it was a little damp, but the band played on, and we were delighted to be there. Thank you for having us!! Can we…

Cavan 7 & 8 December

Niamh McCormack and Claire Crehan stepped up to the Van as we took our second set out to Nursing Homes from Belturbet to Virginia, Castlemanor to Cavan town. Yes it was misty, and the rain definitely fell, but Christmas spirits weren’t dampened, thanks to the lovely music and the warm welcome.

SJC Killiney 19th November

The glorious Avoca Reaction had everyone singing and dancing for LGBTQI+ Awareness Week with an unforgettable session at Saint Joseph’s Cluny. We’re still dancing in our heads and hearts – and still feeling the waves of love. Stand Up Proud (in a van)!

Monaghan 17 November

Brioni Gallagher and Seanan Brennan in fine voice and flying form at Care Centres for Adults in County Monaghan today, and huge hats off to the lovely Festival in a Van tech team who were up at the crack of dawn to meet them there. Sometimes it takes a lot of coffee to keep the…

Limerick 27 October

The clocks changed, and with them our first After Dark Session, in the lovely grounds of Villiers School. When the students can’t go home for midterm, the Festival can come to them – with SON aka Susan O Neill and David Hope bringing the music.

Clare 27 October

With thanks to Grainne Hope’s great programming, the sounds of SON (Susan O’Neill) and David Hope joined the Forest Van to dodge the showers at Knockalisheen Direct Provision Centre. Blue skies prevailed, and yes, there was definitely dancing.

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