Lovers of a good old-fashioned sing-along are in luck as The Dublin City Council Luke Kelly Festival returns for its second outing to Smithfield Square this month.
The free family-friendly festival takes place over the weekend of Saturday May 18th and Sunday May 19th 2024 and organisers promise a wide array of music, discussion, singalong-sessions, sport, arts and crafts and more in celebration of one of Dublin’s favourite sons.
Throughout the weekend, the Luke Kelly Stage, compared by Luke’s niece Paula McCann, will play host to some terrific musical acts including Mary Black, Lisa O’Neill, Phelim Drew and The Dublin Legends. Luke’s native North Inner City will be represented across the programme, by R&B artist Temi NLA from Sheriff Street and singer-songwriter Ciarán Moran from Smithfield. And to complete the bill, local folk artists Daoirí Farrell and Caoimhe Hogarty and a trio of George Murphy, Ger O’Donnell, and Trevor Sexton will bring a selection of folk favourites for all to enjoy.
For those looking to learn more about Luke, the Dubliners, and the Dublin folk scene, the dedicated workshop and discussion tent The Bailey will feature conversations with Irish folk legend Andy Irvine (Planxty/Sweeney’s Men) and US folk royalty Peggy Seeger.
Historian and Podcaster Donal Fallon of Three Castles Burning fame will be having a chat with Phelim Drew and Brian Hand about their memories of The Dubliners, and writer Jimmy Murphy will take festival goers on a journey through Dublin’s bohemian arts scene in the mid-20th century.
Over at the Arts and Crafts Tent, families can enjoy an array of workshops in memory of Luke’s creative spirit, while those attending with children are invited to join the fun at the dedicated football area The Centre-Half paying tribute to Luke’s love of the beautiful game. Also on the bill is a ‘Banjo for Beginners’ workshop and festival goers are advised that no experience is necessary.
Finally, a new edition to this year’s festivities is the O’Donoghue’s Tent where festival goers can join in on a good old-fashioned sing-song.
The Dublin City Council Luke Kelly Festival takes place from 12pm to 6pm on Saturday May 18th and Sunday May 19th 2024.
For further information and updates check out dublin.ie/lukekelly
Images: Julien Behal Photography
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