Cork city's 'Safe Harbour' festival has come of age

A decade after it began, this year’s Sounds from a Safe Harbour (SFSH) feels like the festival has come of age, its co-curator has said.

The biennial Cork festival, which launches on Thursday, September 11, is this year celebrating its 10th birthday.

Co-founded by Mary Hickson in 2015 as part of her final programme as CEO of Cork Opera House, the festival has celebrated for the bold curation of Ms Hickson, actor Cillian Murphy, Bryce Dessner of The National, author Max Porter, and folklorist Billy MagFhlionn.

SFSH has just announced several new shows, coming hot on the heels of the announcement that the festival will host the European premiere of Mr Murphy’s new movie, Steve, as part of its new film programme.

Ms Hickson told The Echo she felt the festival was a much bigger offering this time around.

“It feels like we’ve really come of age; it’s 10 years since we did the first festival, and we’ve learned and honed our process through that time,” she said.

“This one feels like we’re levelling up, and with the addition of the film programme with Cillian, it feels like it’s a much bigger, more ambitious festival this time.”

One of the new shows announced is Sirens, a concert in St Anne’s Church, Shandon, hosted by Lisa Hannigan and featuring a group of female performers including Beth Orton, Niamh Regan and Gemma Sugrue.

Sounds from a Honky Tonk will feature a celebration of country music hosted by Swedish singer-songwriter Amanda Bergman, with musical director Petter Winnberg.

The flagship Mixtape concert features the Cork Opera House Concert Orchestra and the SFSH Choir, with arrangements by Bryce Dessner of The National and celebrated cellist Kate Ellis.

This year’s closing event at the Opera House will be hosted by Danish group Efterklang.

Sounds from a Safe Harbour takes place in Cork and runs from September 11 to 14. Tickets and further information from soundsfromasafeharbour.com.