This article is from page 6 of the 2006-07-04 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 6 JPG
IT is not everywhere you see the cream of Irish traditional music walking around in shorts and designer sunglasses. But the spell of fine weather has brought the talented men and women into Miltown Malbay for the Willie Clancy festival, and their white legs out.
During the first few days of the Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy, the umbrellas were packed away as visitors, musicians and students enjoyed the festivities, which began on Saturday last.
Dubbed Ireland’s largest traditional music summer school, the festival has commemorated the late piper Willie Clancy, annually since 1973.
During the week, more than 1,000 students from every part of the world attend daily classes taught by experts in Irish music and dance. In addition, a full programme of lectures, recitals, céilithe and exhibitions are run by the summer school.
For many, the event is a family affair with parents dropping their children at the morning workshops before making their way to the set-dancing classes. This year, as with every other, there is something for everyone.
As old friends meet up at the worldrenowned workshops, many look forward to the informal sessions later in the day in the local pubs. For those who prefer a more “select” session, Mullagh and the Crosses of Annagh provided a popular location.
And this year the word among the musicians is that the “Bellbridge Hotel in Spanishpoint is the new Mullagh” – the new place for a “small session”.
“People are even known to travel as far as Quilty for a good session,” one musician told The Clare People .
For the more discerning music lover, there is a recital every evening, with Ireland’s foremost musicians displaying their talents. The many street stalls add to the festival feeling.
The 34th Willie Clancy Summer School is worth millions of euro to the local economy.
Accommodation is booked out up to a year in advance, as people return to the craic and ceol that is the Willie Clancy Festival.