St Patrick’s Week hooley

Once again the community has led the way, and funding from the council has enabled community groups to stage events throughout the area – everything from ceilis and concerts to craft sales and workshops.

One of the highlights of the week is the St. Patrick’s Night Celebration at the Riverside Theatre in Coleraine, a concert featuring the Broken String Band, a bluegrass outfit who regularly raise the rafters with their superb playing and singing, and who are firm favourites at bluegrass festivals throughout Northern Ireland and beyond.

The Broken String Band play traditional, raw acoustic Appalachian mountain music at its foot-tapping best. This dynamic band features Geordie McAdam who has teamed up with his old friend Michael Ash. Both are former members of the Black Mountain String Band, who have been favourites with live music audiences along the north coast for many years.

They play old time music with real passion and enthusiasm. Along with Geordie and Michael are the Muirhead brothers, Ivan and Adrian – two exceptional musicians with a long tradition of music in the family. With bass player Big Walty, these guys have real talent and gel together with ease – fun is their number one priority.

For this special show, the band will include some material from the Irish and Scots traditions, and offer some background on the journey that some of the tunes have taken, crossing the Atlantic and finding new settings in the United States.

The concert gets under way at 8pm and is being presented in association with Cultural Crossings, which is promoted by the Provost of the Coleraine campus, University of Ulster, in partnership with Causeway Coast Arts.

For online bookings, visit the Riverside Theatre website on www.riversidetheatre.org.uk , or get in touch with the Box Office staff on (028) 7012 3123.

And watch out for the special St. Patrick’s Week fliers, which are being distributed throughout the borough in the run-up to the festival – they have full details of a string of community-based events happening throughout the borough. There’s sure to be something for all the family to enjoy.

Mayor of Coleraine, Alderman Maurice Bradley, said: “There is always a great celebration in Coleraine during the St Patrick’s Week Festival and this year looks set to be no exception.

“With a fantastic week of family entertainment and acts like the The Broken String Band appearing there will certainly be something for people of all ages. I would encourage everyone to come along and enjoy all the brilliant events that are on offer.”