Controversial 'far right' festival planned for Leitrim relocated to secret location in Mayo

A festival that was originally planned to take place in Drumshanbo, Leitrim has been officially cancelled and as a result, will now take place in Mayo. The organisers said the community centre’s statement implies it is the fault of the organisers that the event has been cancelled in Leitrim. The organisers concluded by stating, “The event is going ahead at a bigger and better location that is easier to get to”. The event is set to take place Saturday, August 23 at a ‘secret location’.

The Mise Éire festival was set to take place at the Mayflower Community Hall in Drumshambo, Co Leitrim, on August 23 but now after a social media backlash, the festival has been moved to a private location outside Castlebar.

Organisers of the festival say general admission tickets are available at a cost of €50 while “All early bird tickets are sold out.  This event is for those who cherish Irish culture, heritage, and are united in celebrating our shared values”. Over 400 tickets are sold for the event which is advertised as promoting the Irish language, music, culture, and traditions with a variety of live music, talks, and workshops planned.

The musicians that are set to perform include Stephen Sutton, Gary Hynes, Chris James, The Halloran Brothers, Siobhan O’Brien, Hair of the Dog, Neil Shanahan and DJ Snagman.

Among the speakers who are confirmed include Kevin Flanagan (Brehon Academy), Louise Rosengrave (Journalist), John Waters (Writer & Journalist), Jamie McGlue (teacher, poet and author).

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The festival has been subject to controversy which prompted Leitrim and Roscommon Against Fascism (LARAF) to issue a letter stating they believed the event would ‘tarnish the proud history of the Mayflower.’ The letter, which has been signed over 500 times, states, “The Mayflower Community Centre in Drumshanbo has a longstanding and rich tradition of hosting vibrant, uplifting, diverse and inclusive cultural events.

“Musicians and artists, past and present, from the area, from across the country and indeed from countries and cultures from across the world, have passed through the doors of the Mayflower and contributed to this rich heritage.

“If it is permitted to go ahead, we believe the far-right 'Mise Éire Festival' will tarnish the proud history of the Mayflower as a venue that has served to bring people together from all backgrounds and as a safe and inclusive cultural space for the community, for local schoolchildren and for all visitors to the area.

There was widespread criticism of the event being held as many local and national musicians, artists and arts workers including Charlie McGettigan, Christy Moore, Andy Irvine, Frances Black, John Mc Cartin, Brian Kennedy, Chris O'Dowd, Brian Leyden, Jackie McKenna, Mary Coughlan, Katherine Lynch, Steve Wall, Edwina Guckian, Stephen Rea, Marguerite Molloy, Fontaines DC, Kneecap, Mike Scott of The Waterboys and The Mary Wallopers all signed the letter voicing their concerns.