33rd Ballyshannon Folk and Traditional Music Festival kicks off this weekend

This year's event goes back to its roots, celebrating the early days of the festival when free live street entertainment was at the core of the weekend. There will be a selection of live acts every day on the streets, culminating in a free open air gig by Kíla at 4pm on Sunday August 1.

Eleanor McEvoy will be giving a singer-songwriter workshop on Sunday too, and other workshops over the weekend will include Sean Nós and clog dancing! Live impromptu pub sessions and story-telling will take place in over twelve venues in the town over the weekend, while there will also be a new talent showcase in this year's programme, with the winner winning a spot alongside Andy Irvine in the final concert of the weekend at The Abbey Centre.

Full details of all events are available online at [link]www.ballyshannonfolkfestival.com[/link]. Tickets available at [link]www.eventelephant.com[/link].