‘Stellar programme’ as SOMA festival to start in Castlewellan

17 July 2024

THE full line-up of performances and attractions for this year’s SOMA Festival in Castlewellan which begins this Friday has been unveiled.

The eagerly-anticipated event takes place at The Lodge Business and Cultural Centre and kicks off on Friday at 6.30pm.

Ancient Whispers: The Fairy Gathering/Cruinniú na Sídhe is the curtain raiser and is a family event combining story, song and music, with attendees encouraged to dress in costume relating to the elements (fire, water, earth, air and spirit) for the occasion.

Headlining the three-day festival this Saturday July 20 is John Spillane, one of the biggest names in folk

music across the world, who will be joined by the Soma House Band for a night of brilliant song in St Malachy’s GAC.

The Cork-native is known for his gorgeous songs such as All The Ways You Wander and The Dunnes Store Girl, and will be supported on stage by Graham Henderson (keys), John McSherry (pipes/low whistle), Emma King (percussion/drums), Seán Ó Meara (guitar), and Tola Custy (fiddle). Talented young singer/songwriter Cathleen Garland is set to support.

Kicking off the SOMA Festival is award-winning Dublin performer Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin, whose powerful voice and lyrics are set to captivate in the King’s Inn.

The supporting act on the night is Castlewellan’s own Ciara McCrickard Trio. This event is in partnership with Glór Uachtar Tíre.

SOMA festival director, Tíona McSherry, praised the behind-the-scenes organisers for curating this year’s brilliant line-up.

“Our team has come up with another stellar programme for festival goers to enjoy this year,” she said.

“We’re so excited for the incredible acts we have coming to perform. We hope Castlewellan is as buzzing for it as we are.”

Other musical stars set for SOMA Festival 2024 include tradtronica group Huartan and closing-act funk band GrooveLine with Belfast-based folk outfit Lonesome George.

As well as four fantastic concerts, there will be a session trail taking in many pubs of the town. Attendees can also take advantage of the plethora of different hubs open on varying dates.

The Mind, Body & Soul space is open this Saturday and Sunday in The Lodge Business & Cultural Centre, hosting a dedicated health and wellness area as well as housing a craft fair where local small businesses can display their creations.

Alternatively, Soma in the Square boasts live music, children’s activities, the Whitewater Brewing Company Bar and delicious food over the weekend which the whole family can enjoy.

For free-spirited visitors, the Little Gems series on offer across the long weekend features award-winning author Michael Magee reading from his terrific debut novel, a panel discussion on Irish language films (featuring Colm Bairéad, writer/director of Oscar nominated film An Cáilín Ciúin), serene nature walks throughout the County Down countryside and much more.

SOMA Festival 2024 received funding from Newry, Mourne and Down Council, Foras na Gaeilge, and sponsors and partners Whitewater Brewing Co, Glór Uachtar Tíre, Excalibur Press, Dolmes Climate Action Network, and Cumann Phobail Garbhdhoire.

Tickets are available for purchase as either individual event passes or weekend access to all concerts, with further details available at www.linktr.ee/thesomafestival.

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