Barbershop convention in castlebar

IT'S going to be a weekend of non-stop barbershop singing and fun in Castlebar as groups from Sweden, the USA, England and, of course, Ireland attend the Irish Barbershop Singers Association convention in Mayo's county town.

A truly international event, it will bring over 1,000 people to Castlebar - many of whom will take time to tour Mayo as part of their holiday.

The convention consists of competitions and performances for barbershop quartets and choruses, and all events are open to the public.

“Having attended some of the conventions over the years, the IABS convention weekend is tops when it comes to sheer fun and entertainment,” stated Mayo International Choral Festival director Declan Durcan, the driving force in bringing the convention to Mayo, along with the festival committee and several regional stakeholders.

“We would encourage people to support the event by going to at least one show or competition over the weekend. All of them are open to the public and with nominal admission fees, you will not be disappointed.”

All events take place in the Royal Theatre, Castlebar, today and tomorrow (Friday and Saturday, October 2 and 3), including a vocal workshop facilitated by Storm Front, USA, and Hot Note, England, for local and regional choir members.

Meanwhile, entries are now being accepted for the Mayo International Choral Festival 2016, which will take place from May 25 to 29. Said Edward Horkan, festival chairman: “We are looking forward to next year’s festival as 2016 marks the festival’s fifth year. It’s hard to believe we’ve achieved so much in only four years. To be regarded as one of the top choral festivals in Ireland in such a short time is a remarkable achievement by the committee and the many volunteers and choir members around the county.”

The festival is supported by Mayo County Council and Fáilte Ireland. More details and entry forms can be found at www.mayochoral.com.