CityLife

TradFest brings Guinness and Irish jigs to Manchester

Shake The Barley

WHILE we're not quite sure exactly what a pre-launch is (so good they're launching it twice?) February 26 sees the pre-launch of the Manchester Irish Festival Tradfest. 

The two-week event will feature some of the UK and Ireland's best traditional Irish musicians, and is sponsored by Guinness, who are celebrating their 250th anniversary.

Tradfest is a major highlight of 2009's Manchester Irish Festival, and features performances from award-winning musicians Dezi Donnelly, Mike McGoldrick, Dermot Byrne and Steve Cooney.

Lawrence Hennigan, marketing executive of the Festival, said: "These four are masters of their individual instruments and create a wonderful sound and energy when they guide us through everything from beautifully executed O'Carolan pieces to rip roaring jigs and flowing reels."

Tradfest is at M19 bar from March 6-21.  Tickets for the pre-launch are available on 0161 224 8135 or to buy on the door.