Book celebrating Cork Folk Festival to be launched today

A new book celebrating the 45-year history of the Cork Folk Festival is to be launched today by the Lord Mayor of Cork in the Cork City Library.

The book, Cork Folk Festival 1979-2024 - Reeling Down the Years, is authored by festival co-organiser William Hammond, and it offers a detailed account of the folk festival’s journey through the decades, documenting its 1,126 artists, 350 groups and bands, and its enduring role in shaping Cork’s cultural life.

“Seven years in the making, that’s how long it took to write the book, and it’s the story of the folk festival,” Mr Hammond told The Echo.

“It’s everything that ever happened over the 45 years, everybody who played, everybody who ever worked with us, everything that ever happened, and all the juicy stories, all the nice stories, all the funny stories, and the seriously hard work to try and pull it together.”

The launch is part of the 45th Cork Folk Festival, which runs until Sunday, October 6. 

It features a chapter dedicated to each festival year, along with an index cataloguing every performance since 1979.

For music lovers, the book contains a rich discography that spans recordings from Cork’s vibrant folk scene dating back to 1929.

Challenges and triumphs

A must-read for anyone passionate about Cork’s folk heritage, the book offers a reflection on the challenges and triumphs that have defined the festival over the last 45 years.

As Cork Folk Festival turns 45, this year’s edition promises a stellar line-up featuring legendary performers and fresh new talents.

Iconic singer and songwriter Paul Brady headlines in the Cork Opera House, while Frankie Gavin and a new De Dannan line-up will return to the stage. Jack O’Rourke, one of Cork’s finest and best-loved songwriters, plays the Opera House.

A Saturday line-up features renowned Clare musicians Charlie Harris, Geraldine Cotter, Eamonn Cotter, and Maeve Donnelley.

The “Gals at Play” concert showcases an all-female lineup, including Mary Greene, Leslie Dowdall, and Christiana Underwood.

In addition to the concerts, the festival will host workshops, céilís, traditional music sessions, and major outdoor events: a singing tour of Cork city, a crossroads dance, and a food market at Emmett Place.

The book will be launched in Cork City Library by the Lord Mayor, councillor Dan Boyle, at 6pm on Saturday and admission is free. See corkfolkfestival.com.