Talented buskers and performers lined Letterkenny’s Main Street on Saturday afternoon as the annual Letterkenny Busking Festival got in full swing.
This year saw an increase in the number of participants eager to compete in the busking competition. 2018 was the fourth year of the festival, welcoming both returning buskers and lots of new entrants. There were dancers, guitarists, singers, traditional musicians and even some circus acts!
The McGonigle Family performing at the Letterkenny Chamber Busking Festival on Saturday last. Photo Clive Wasson
Magician Jessica Harkin with Ian McGarvey, Letterkenny Municipal District Mayor and Leonard Watson, Letterkenny Chamber president at the Letterkenny Chamber Busking Festival on Saturday last. Photo Clive Wasson
The prize fund of €1000 was hotly contested over the 3 hours and the judges were delighted to offer multiple prizes having so many to choose from. There were lots of people out to support the buskers as they entertained the watching crowds who sang along and joined in with each of the buskers and groups.
The three festival judges visited each act during their performances and nine talented winners were awarded cash prizes.
Alice Keane, a guitarist and singer won 1st place and received €400.
Alice Keane from Newtowncunningham at the Letterkenny Chamber Busking Festival on Saturday last. Photo Clive Wasson
Elizabeth Haughey, a concertina player was 2nd and received €200.
Lizzie Haughey at the Letterkenny Chamber Busking Festival on Saturday last. Photo Clive Wasson
Tank Engine, a brass and percussion band was 3rd and received €100.
Tank Engine, 3rd place winners along with Cllr Ian McGarvey Mayor of Letterkenny Municipal District and President of Letterkenny Chamber Leonard Watson at the 2018 Letterkenny Busking Festival.
Runner up prizes of €50 each were given to Ollamh, Congail, CarrPark-Sons, Peter and Sinead Breen and Kai McHugh.
One of the participants writing on Facebook commented on the friendliness of everyone in Letterkenny and what a pleasure it was to be on Letterkenny Main Street for the day.
ani Burns performing circus arts at the 2018 Letterkenny Busking Festival along with Cllr Ian McGarvey Mayor of Letterkenny Municipal District and President of Letterkenny Chamber Leonard Watson.
Leonard Watson, President of Letterkenny Chamber who was out and about on the day said “there was such a great buzz around the Main Street. This year’s festival attracted the most variety and some great talent and the feedback from the businesses and audience was excellent. The buskers even made a few euros for their effort.”
The prize giving event took place after the competition in the Shack at the Brewery Bar, where Leonard Watson, President of Letterkenny Chamber announced the winners. Performers and their families enjoyed refreshments and a performance by renowned singer Pat Gallagher of Goat’s Don’t Shave.
The Letterkenny Busking Festival is organized by Letterkenny Chamber under the ShopLK brand and is supported by Donegal County Council.
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