The reason the programme's still vague is because it is still 8 months away!
MichaelR: there won't be a festival programme as such. What mainly happens on these Eurogatherings (the 6th so far!) is that we gather for a big session, usually have dinner somewhere, have another session, sometimes go sightseeing (although it is up to the individual whether he/she wants a tour/boat trip, etc.), go to bed far too late, have breakfast, then another session. It's all very informal; a gathering of people who happen to like folk.
Things that have been done on previous gatherings:
- Dinner in bistro or restaurant, usually annoying the hell out of fellow diners by singing and strumming instruments that have been smuggled in.
- City tours of Munster, Groningen and Hull.
- Ceili in a church (Brussels).
- Punting (France).
- Invading people's kitchens and living room to continue sessions after closing-time (pretty much every time).
- Concert in a village hall (Barton).
- Raffles for the Mudcat.
- Visit to Waterloo (Brussels).
- Lots of discussions. Arguing the respective merits of songs and tunes.
- Did I mention we have sessions?
At this point, I'm not sure yet what pub will be victimised, or if people want a city tour (Cork is not extremely pretty, but has a lot of history), or if we're all going to Blarney to kiss the stone (French kissing not appreciated), or...
One thing that is indeed still running is the Cork Singers' Club in the Spailpin on Sunday nights, so people can also go their own way. If the prices are reasonable, I may book the top floor of the Spailpin for the big session on Saturday night. Another pub that may be sympathetic to us is the Abbey Tavern, I'll enquire there as well. If the numbers aren't too high, we may visit another session on Sunday (though I'd be loathe to 'invade') in the Phoenix or Charlie's. The session I play in is on Friday in the Grange Bar, which is out of the centre and therefore not my first choice, but we'll see! There should be plenty of opportunity to get a venue.
Letty
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sj