Having begun yesterday, the 'Ceolchoirm' continues on through to Sunday (starting at 8pm), followed by the 'Níos Déanaí' sessions at 10.30pm. These late night performances are wonderful opportunities to catch various members of the Festival's line-up coming together for a memorable, musical experience. The Festival aims to create a deeper insight into this music by also presenting workshops for young musicians today (Thursday, August 14) and tomorrow, Friday, August 15. There will be flute by Kevin Crawford, tin whistle by Tina McLoughlin, fiddle by Johnny McCarthy, accordion by Danny O'Mahony and traditional singing by Máire Ní Chéileachair

The festival kicked off with Martin Hayes on fiddle, Danny O' Mahony on accordion and Micheál O' Raghallaigh on concertina while pianist and composer Mícheal Ó Súilleabháin also contributed.

The festivities continue today with the 'ceolchoirm', singer Máire Ní Chéileachair who will be joined by David Power on the uileann pipes, Frankie Gavin on the fiddle and Bantry House favourite, Steve Cooney, on guitar. Steve will also feature in the 'níos déanaí' session with acclaimed sean-nós singer Iarla Ó Lionáird.

Iarla, the exceptional sean-nós singer will be making his second appearance at this special festival. Iarla has gained a reputation for his innovative approach to the tradition of sean-nós singing. He is also part of the influential and forward thinking (and multi-million selling) Afro Celt Sound System, a band which combines cultures and rhythms of different continents for a truly border-crossing traditional sound.

Singer Helen Hayes will lead Friday's 'Ceolchoirm' with musical assistance coming from five times All-Ireland accordion champion, Jimmy Keane and master accordionist, Joe Burke. Ann Conroy will complete the ensemble on guitar. Frankie Gavin will direct Friday's late night session on the fiddle. Also on Friday, Dr Hammy Hamilton will give a lecture on 'The Instruments of Irish Traditional Music' at 4.30pm at St Goban's College.

There will be a 4pm session at St Brendan's Church on Saturday, August 16 by workshop presenters Kevin Crawford, Tina McLoughlin, Danny O' Mahony and Johnny McCarthy. John Flanagan, a singer known for the depth and emotion of his performances, will take to the stage in Bantry House for the 'ceolchoirm' at 8pm. He will be joined by Emer Mayock on the uilleann pipes, Jean Michel Veillon on the flute and singer and guitarist Seán Garvey. Later that night, at 10.30pm, the famous duo of Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill, on fiddle and guitar, will be joined by Jimmy Keane on the accordion.

The final day sees a 4pm performance with young musicians as they showcase what they have learnt from the master musicians during the festival. The grand finale at 8pm welcomes the fantastic Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill back to the stage for the last concert of the festival. They will be joined by Helen Hayes and other members of the week's fantastic line-up, in what promises to be a night to remember.

Tickets are available from West Cork Music at 027 52788 / Lo Call 1850 788 789.

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