The West Cork town of Clonakilty resumes its ‘GuitarTown’ moniker in September for the fourteenth annual Clonakilty International Guitar Festival. The festival expands to a week this year, running from September 17th-23rd.
This latest instalment also extends across the town, as it welcomes Footsbarn’s Travelling Theatre and their big top to the festival, housing Glen Hansard’s Come on Up To The House Tour. Interference continue posthumously touring the music and stories of Cork songwriter Fergus O’Farrell, while Mama Kin Spender and Callum Graham round out international headlining.
Of interest to regulars of this parish will be some of the artists lined up for the festival’s free gigs, provided by the festival to improve community access to live music. Freak-folk experimentalists Woven Skull have been confirmed, ahead of an upcoming split release with Swans’ Thor Harris, while Limerick alt-rockers Windings roadtest new material. Limerick post-hardcore singer-songwriter Anna’s Anchor makes an appearance, while fellow Shannonsiders PowPig continue an impressive live run of form with their CIGF debut. Also appearing: Marc O’Reilly and trio, Eve Clague and band, Junior Brother and others.
Workshops and extracurricular activity abounds, with the Sing-Along Social appearing alongside MusicGeneration’s Creativity Pod, and the festival’s own activities.
For a look at the full line-up, and information on headliner tickets, check out the festival’s official website.
