A festival commemorating The Johnston's folk group, aiming to promote Irish folk music and to raise funds for the Adrienne Johnston Music Fund, set up to provide financial help for emerging musical talent. The Johnston's ballad and contemporary folk group were formed in the early sixties by Michael, Lucy and Adrienne Johnston from Slane, Co. Meath. They achieved considerable national and international success and had an Irish Number 1 hit with 'The Travelling People'. Among other members of the group were Mick Moloney, now Professor of Music at New York University and Paul Brady, international recording star. The festival commemorates the group and will consist of a number of musical events, featuring local, national and international artists.
There will be a main event taking place on the Saturday evening of the weekend, together with various gigs, workshops and other entertainment taking place in Slane village. The proceeds from the festival will be donated to the Adrienne Johnston Music Fund. Adrienne died tragically in 1981. The fund, named in her honour, provides help to young and emerging musicians and assists with purchase of instruments, etc. The festival also aims to promote Irish folk music both traditional and contemporary. Dates to be confirmed.
