The inaugural Waltzing in Wicklow Festival takes place in the Arklow Bay Hotel from Sunday 11 to Friday 16 November. This will mark the first venture by the long-established Enjoy Travel company to the Garden County and will feature many well-known names from the country and céilí circuits.
Gerry Flynn, chief executive of Enjoy Travel which is based in Blackburn, UK says they are delighted with the response and that bookings for the Arklow Bay Hotel week have been hugely encouraging for the success of the festival.
“After seven great years in Clonmel we are delighted to have been invited to bring one of our well-known music and dance weeks to this beautiful area. So many people are embracing the venture and we are looking forward to a brilliant few days in Co Wicklow,” says the Mayo native.
“We have the usual mix which features nightly country dancing and céilís while the sessions, under the guidance of Mick Mackey from Clonmel, are an integral part of these special gatherings. Dance classes and music tutorials are all included. Learn to waltz, dance a samba or just jive the week away.
“It will also be special for Pat Jordan who is our booking manager and a proud Wicklow man. He is thrilled to see such interest in the event and he can’t stop singing the praises of his home county,” adds Gerry.
There is afternoon dancing on each day of the festival as well as four hours of dancing each night from 9pm to 1am.
There is afternoon dancing on each day of the festival as well as four hours of dancing each night from 9pm to 1am. Among the artists who will feature during the week are Louise Morrissey, Olivia Douglas, Glenshane Country (Pat McKenna and Hugh Turner), Declan Aungier, The Moynihan Brothers, the Philip English Duo, Brendan Magee and Eugene Cunningham, the Stephen Smyth Band, Stuart Moyles, Joe Davitt, Chris Dallat, Pat Jordan and Finian’s Rainbow and the Enjoy Travel Showband.
Céilí and set dancers will be entertained by Legacy on Sunday 11 November, Cúpla on Monday, The Glenside on Tuesday, Brian Ború CB on Wednesday and the Johnny Reidy Céilí Band on the closing night, Thursday 15 November.
Many are making the journey over from the UK and they will be joined by people from many parts of Ireland who will be spending the week in the Arklow Bay Hotel. Local visitors are also welcome to come along and join the celebrations. A daily pass is €20, while admission to the night time shows is just €10. CL
Full details on the artist appearing each night can be got by contacting the Arklow Bay Hotel on 0402) 26200 or Enjoy Travel at 0044 1254 445050.
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