Return of annual concert in north Westmeath
Creative North Westmeath Variety Group in association with Castletown Finea Social Group are taking the November blues in hand by the return of their annual concert, last seen in January 2020, when news of a deadly virus arising in China was beginning to surface.
The ongoing pandemic and resulting public restrictions meant the well loved show featuring the best of local talent could not go ahead as usual.
The return of the concert today, Friday 11 November, at 8pm, in a transformed Castletown Finea Church, St Michael’s, will feature singers, songwriters, musicians, dancers and spoken word performers.
Master of ceremonies Fabian MacGinty O’Neill will guide guests through the evening.
The concert is, as always, a showcase for new and emerging talent, alongside more experienced performers.
Among the entertainers will be a rising star from Mullingar, songwriter and musician Jack Gaudet. The girl with the golden voice, Melissa Cooke from Druncree, will also treat the audience to her haunting covers of well loved tunes. Musician and singer Kevin O’Neill from Coole, a regular performer at the show, will bring his array of rock and roll and blues songs to get your feet tapping.
In a more traditional vein, Clan Lir Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann will perform rousing jigs and reels, and Castlepollard Folk Group, Matty Rooney, Cliff Edward, Herbert and Catherine Rooney and Seamus Heaney, will contribute to making this comeback concert the best yet.
This year’s concert will be dedicated to the memory of Bridget Walshe, a local artist who inspired and supported so many people in north Westmeath and whose absence from this year’s concert will be sadly noted. RIP Bridget.
The concert is in aid of the St Michael’s roof restoration fund and there is a small entrance fee of €5 (children free). There will be a raffle on the night and all donations are welcome. Refreshments available and there is ample parking at St Michael’s.
The concert is on Friday 11 November at 8pm: Eircode N91 YF89.