Bluegrass to deliver tourism boost to Dunmore East

With dates firmly fixed in the International Bluegrass calendar since 1995, the 18^th Guinness International Bluegrass Festival in Dunmore East is set to deliver a welcome economic boost to the local economy.

Taking place from August 23^rd to August 26^th, the festival organisers are anticipating an influx of music lovers to the village over the four day festival.

According the festival organiser, Mick Daly, last year’s event was well attended and delivered a huge economic boost to the local businesses.  “Over the three days of last year’s festival Dunmore East welcomed 20,000 visitors.  The spin off was that almost €1.2 million was generated for the local economy which provided a refreshing shot in the arm for the local businesses in the village”, he said.

Many of the local businesses in the scenic fishing village are looking forward to the return of the international music festival, which boasts a jam packed line-up of free gigs, headlined by New Yorker, Jack Grace and his Band.

Richie Roberts, Proprietor of Avonlodge B&B said, “Each year the festival gives Dunmore East a boost.  Dunmore’s Bluegrass has a very loyal following and over the last 17 years we have welcomed the same music lovers from Wales, Northern Ireland and further afield.  They return year after year for the great music, warm hospitality and stunning scenery.”

Elaine Power, proprietor of the village’s Centra, also endorsed the festival, “The Bluegrass is very beneficial to the village from an economic point of view.  With the Irish weather less and less dependable, the tourist season is more intermittent so it’s great to have a festival that helps to extend the tourist season and bring an influx of visitors to the village.”

This year’s festival, Ireland’s largest free bluegrass event, promises an exciting line-up of bluegrass, blues, rhythm and roots, including Jack Grace and his band (USA), Jeff and Vida (USA), Land’s End (UK) and a host of performers from Ireland.

The local pubs and hotels; the Strand Inn, The Haven Hotel, The Spinnaker, Powers Bar and Azzurro, will host dozens of free gigs throughout the weekend. The 18^th Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival kicks off at 7pm on Thursday, August 23rd at The Spinnaker Bar.

For more information about the 18^th Guinness International Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival in Co. Waterford visit www.discoverdunmore.com