Candlelit setting for Ballynacargy Church Concert

The 16th annual Church Concert in Ballynacargy takes place tonight, Tuesday February 12, in the Church of the Nativity at 8pm.

On the bill are a whole host of stellar singers and musicians, and Willie Penrose, TD, who is on the organising committee, says it is a fantastic evening’s entertainment.

“We’re looking forward to tonight, it’s our 16th annual concert, and there’s always a huge crowd at this particular concert. It also raises much needed funds in the Ballynacargy area which is administered by the parish community,” Deputy Penrose told the Westmeath Examiner.

“It’s an excellent night, guaranteed beautiful music, done in a very serene, beautiful way, and it opens with a prayer by our parish priest, Fr John Nally.

“All the artists give their time free – we have Michael English headlining the bill, and this concert is being opened by our Westmeath Comhaltas Ceili Band, who are fresh from their great endeavours on Ceili House and who are a big part of our all-Ireland fleadh bid.

“We’ve lots of great singers and musicians, we have Ballynacargy Community Singers, Simon Casey, Matt Leavy, TR Dallas, Olivia Douglas, John Molloy, so it’s a guaranteed good night of music.”

There’s also Ciaran Rosney, The Willoughby Brothers, and Mick Foster and Friends on the bill.

“It’s done in candlelight, so it is serene, we hope people will come, it will be a fine night and provide a great night’s entertainment, it’s a beautiful setting.

“It’s for the parish and there’s a lot of worthy causes which this concert helps throughout the year, it helps the parish in various activities, so it’s well and truly great cause,” Deputy Penrose said.

• Tickets €20 on door; opens 7pm.