World famous banjo festival for Tullamore
The world renowned Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival is leaving Longford and will be staged for the first time in Tullamore later this year, it emerged this week. Speaking to the Offaly Independent yesterday (Thursday), festival organiser Kathy Casey revealed that Longford simply couldn't sustain the growing festival anymore. She said Tullamore was chosen as the festival's new venue thanks to its accommodation options, central location and past successes including its hosting of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann from 2007 to 2009. The festival injected upwards of €1m into Longford's economy each year, and it's hoped a bigger festival will lead to even greater economic benefits for Tullamore. The final decision to move the festival to Tullamore was made just this week. Since 2002 the festival commemorating renowned banjo player Johnny Keenan was staged in Longford, the county Mr Keenan and his wife Chris lived in up until his death in 2000. Since the inaugural festival big names from the bluegrass, traditional and folk music scenes including Steve Earle, Altan and Earl Scruggs performed at the event that gained a name for itself worldwide. This year the festival will be held in Tullamore over four days from September 20 - 23, and Ms Casey said that it presents a great opportunity for both Tullamore and the festival. "It was a very hard decision for us to make because Longford has been good to us, but to sustain the festival it had to move," she said. "Tullamore is known for its love of music and that certainly was a big part of making our decision. "I think that music lovers will follow the music," she said, adding that she's now hopeful Tullamore will embrace the festival with as much enthusiasm as she has for sharing the festival's music with the town. The news has been welcomed by Tullamore publican Paul Bell, who said he's "thrilled". "It'll put Tullamore on the map," he said, adding that a local committee will be put together in the near future to help co-ordinate the four day event. As well as concerts the Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival will include workshops, pub sessions and free music performances. The festival's line up will be announced by organised within the next month.