The Beamish Cork Folk Festival celebrated its 25th birthday with the launch last night of six days and nights of music and story.
Veteran singer Seán Ó Se hosted an evening of "Songs of the Northside" on the opening night.
Although the festival has been scaled back in recent years, it is growing again, and this year sees the return of an old friend, Mary Black, who is headlining at the Everyman Palace on Sunday night.
The festival has been known for its eclecticism, hosting such diverse international artists as Emmylou Harris, Billy Bragg, David Gray, as well as homegrown heroes such as The Chieftains, Christy Moore and Paul Brady.
The organiser, Mr Jim Walsh, admits that the emphasis in recent years has been on Irish acts. However, he points to the inclusion of Scottish folk group Capercaillie as an indicator of what the festival promises in 2005 when Cork will be the Capital of Culture.
This year fans can select from up to 40 events, including British folk legend Bert Jansch of Pentangle fame and a 25th anniversary concert presented by Peadar Ó Riada featuring John Spillane, Paddy Keenan and Tommy Sullivan, Jimmy Crowley and Noel Hill.
