World's only Keening Festival returns to Mayo

THE world's only arts festival dedicated to the ancient arts of the Irish wake returns on Saturday, May 3, to the Old Convent, Mulranny.

Followers and fans from all over the world in record numbers are expected to attend the Keening Festival’s groundbreaking programme of keening workshops, talks about the wake and its rites and an evening concert with world acclaimed sean nós singer Caitriona Ní Cheannabháin, BAFTA winner and bardic poet Kevin Toolis, international composer Peter Reynolds and other musicians.

“The wake remains a defining feature of Irish society, a unique powerful tool which eases the grief and sense of loss many feel with the death of their loved ones. The current road might feel a little rocky, but it is only right that we continue to celebrate these ancient rituals and rites in the world's only wake festival,” says festival director Kevin Toolis, author of the seminal work on wakes, My Father's Wake: How the Irish Teach Us to Live, Love and Die.

The festival’s programme includes talks by historic expert Clodagh Tait, BAFTA-winner Kevin Toolis, keening workshops and wake-story sharing experiences.

The evening concert will feature the world premiere of specially composed works, sean nós laments, original bardic poetry and classic traditional tunes.

“Across the world people always say the Irish do death well and that is because of the wake. So, it's great to be working with Mulranny Arts, Mayo Day and Mayo County Council here at home in Mayo, where the wake is still going strong.

“We have had interest from all over Ireland and abroad in attending this unique festival celebrating the oldest rite of Irish culture,” says Toolis.

A full programme of the day's events and how to book is available here.

For more details about the Keening Festival, contact Kevin Toolis at book@wondersofthewake.com.