The Táin Festival: Rhythm and Roots in Dundalk

First of all, my unstinting admiration for the decision to make Halloween a Bank Holiday weekend. I understand that on some years it doesn't quite work out like it does this year, but the concept of a bank holiday at October's end is brilliant.

Secondly, this Táin Festival in Dundalk has it going on:

The idea is that without the nurturing qualities of the arts permeating our lives, as well as the visceral excitement of rock ‘n roll impelling us ahead, life here could get pretty grim.

Conversely, there is nothing like the special feeling a good festival brings to a place.

There was an energy in the air last October and we hope that with an expanded line up of concerts and performances and a wide selection of seasonal events, to feel that pulse again this time round.

The music is top rate and this brochure gives you a comprehensive gig guide. Please check it out.

But there is a lot more to it.

In collaboration with the Dundalk Film Society, we are showing two stunning films on the roots of modern music.

We are going once more with the Pumpkin displays at the fountain at Market Square. [LT: Great picture of this on the site.] Given the days that are in it we thought the spooky stories of old Dundalk would be well worth retelling and so we have a series of Spooky Walks through the town organised by Victoria Kingsly O'Hagan. Be afraid but not very afraid.

There will be a special Halloween Farmers Market in the Museum Courtyard bringing you all the delights of the Season from the farms and food producers of the region. And the full support of the Arts Officers and Library services mean that Dundalk Town Council will once more bring you a cornucopia of Halloween treats.

Many thank yous are due and the page overleaf gives an indication of the range of organizations who have sponsored and assisted this years Tain Festival.

For a fiercely independent music and community event like the Tain Rhythm and Roots Festival, to really take shape, many people needed to make an early commitment to the event.

They're running a little trivia contest for 2 weekend passes:

Question: What artist has played at each Táin festival ...2003, 2004, and again in 2005?

A. Elton John, B. John Spillane, C. John O'Groats

Send the answer (A, B, or C) to comp@tainfestival.com

And remember: Johnny Fean and Steve Travers at Corbetts on Saturday.