Special music scheme on its way to West Cork

There’s another reason to visit West Cork this summer.

Cork County Council’s Special Music Event Scheme returns to West Cork this month with free musical entertainment in Bandon, Kinsale, Skibbereen, Clonakilty and Dunmanway.

This community-driven initiative aims to promote tourism in West Cork and is a collaborative project between the council, businesses and the community.

Now in its 5th year, the Special Music Event Scheme will see many high quality musicians take to the stage with talented local groups performing a mix of brass and reed as well as traditional music, song and dance by local Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann music groups.

Spanning 18 dates, the programme runs until the end of August.

Former Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Gillian Coughlan welcomed the announcement of the 2022 programme.

She said: "The Special Music Event Scheme has brought a fantastic atmosphere to Cork County Council’s West Cork and Bandon Kinsale Municipal District in the past and I am sure it will continue this tradition with its return to our streets for 2022.

“I would encourage people of all ages to check out this year’s programme and sample the marvellous musical talent of our local musicians."

Chief Executive of Cork County Council Tim Lucey said: "This scheme is one of many initiatives the council has put place to support and nurture the arts and live entertainment at a local level. Cork County Council recognises the contribution that these music events can make to the lives of people in the county with cultural and social benefits as well as boosting the local economy and enhancing the vibrancy of our towns."