Picture credit: Gerry Molumby
The sun came out for the Crawley Irish Festival at the end of August letting crowds focus on having fun on the festival’s 21st birthday.
The event, which was organised by the Celtic & Irish Cultural Society saw people travel from the south and the Midlands to enjoy the entertainment. Although the festival celebrates Irish culture and has set a precedence for the Irish community, it brings people together from all cultural backgrounds, something which the society prides itself on. As a fairly new town, Crawley has a vibrant multi–cultural community that welcomes events like these.
John Nolan, Chairman of the society was thrilled with the experience on the day, saying:
“We are absolutely delighted with how everything went and in reaching our 21st anniversary. A fun day was had by all, of every age group and of every background. We had everything on the menu to suit all tastes.”
There were multiple stages on the day featuring a range of musical bands and dancers, one of which was Homeland. The band came from Clare, Ireland to launch their new single ‘London Town’ which was written by Joe Killoughery in memory of his late father George, about Irish Londoners.
John said: “I can see that song turning into a real special one for the Irish here in London.”
In addition to all the wonderful performances, something special happened. Neil Munday from the local radio station Susy Radio 103.4, who was broadcasting live from the festival, announced that Molly Cass, a member of a local dance school would finally receive a kidney transplant.
John described this as a ‘heart touching moment’ at the festival and from the reaction of the audience it was clearly one of the highlights.
Molly, who had been waiting for a kidney for many years, has since had the operation and is now recovering well.
The festival would not be possible without the help it receives. John said:
“The festival owes its success to the many volunteers and helpers on the day, to the companies and individuals who helped with the festival brochure and those who donated raffle prizes.”
Special thanks also goes to the main sponsors of the event; Foundation Developments Ltd, Coinford Holdings, J Devine Civil Engineering and Killoughery Group who have been with the Celtic and Irish Cultural Society since it began. The society is also delighted to receive ongoing support from the Emigrant Support programme, grants from Crawley Borough Council and support from The Hawth Theatre.
Money raised from the sale of the festival brochures went to the society’s charity partner Stamp Out Suicide.
Earlier in the year, former Ambassador of Ireland Dan Mulhall hosted a special event at the embassy to mark the Celtic Irish Society’s anniversary and contribution to the community.
Catch up on the event, which was aired on Martin Logan’s The Irish at Home and Abroad TV programme.