Documentary film showing of Portlaoise TradFest
Simon Rafter, Chloe, Debbie, Rebecca and Ciara Finlay at the screening of Portlaoise TradFest documentary.
THE screening of the first ever ‘Portlaoise TradFest’ documentary took place in the Dunamaise Arts Centre last week.
The festival was established by Dale McKay and a hard working committee of Laois musicians in 2023.
Over the three days in May the festival saw in excess of 35 traditional Irish music sessions, workshops, concerts, a trad battle of the bands for young people along with a popular festival club.
Following the event and with funding provided by the Laois/Offaly Education and Training Board, the TradFest committee decided to create a documentary showcasing the wonderful events that occurred throughout the town over the festival period.
In charge of filming the documentary was Chloe Finlay who was also the marketing director of the festival and contained interviews from committee members, Portlaoise business owners and publicans.
The film documentary was presented by world renowned musician and social media personality Tara Howley.
The documentary featured live performances from some of the best musicians on the traditional Irish music scene and from local talent like Jamie Troy, Laois Singers Circle and Brian Hughes to major international acts such as Sharon Shannon, Ali Levack, and Simon Crehan.
