CORK:TWO MAJOR music festivals attracted thousands of music lovers to west Cork.
The Bandon music festival got under way on Friday and featured performances by Sharon Shannon and Republic of Loose. A mix of contemporary, trad and rock, the festival is reputedly one of the best in the country.
The Cork by Southwest festival took place in Skibbereen, with crowds being entertained by acts including Echo and the Bunnymen, Patti Smith and Fred.
Family-friendly areas were set up for children, who were treated to treasure hunts and storytelling.
Cork city celebrated its first hip-hop festival. The three-day event welcomed a host of national and international breakdancers, rappers, graffiti artists and DJs. The weekend line-up included a breakdance contest and rap battles.
Organisers Ross Herlihy and Adam O’Connor of Rhythm Rebelz Productions have been involved in Cork’s hip-hop scene both as graffiti artists and breakdancers for over eight years.
A festival that aims to tackle the loneliness and stigma associated with mental illness celebrated its fourth year in operation yesterday, as up to 20,000 people gathered for “Mad Pride” day at Fitzgerald’s Park in Cork city to watch street theatre and musical performances.
The inaugural Mad Pride day in the city took place in June 2008. Modelled on Gay Pride days, the aim of the event was to “celebrate ordinary madness” and break down divisions between those who have experienced the psychiatric system and those who haven’t.
Organiser John McCarthy said he hoped the day would not alone encourage people with mental illness to find solidarity within their community, but also prompt wider society to do more to help people recover.
Kila headlined yesterday’s Mad Pride family fun day at Fitzgerald’s Park, joining other acts including Novella Hermosa and The Dizzy Blues Band.
The event featured street theatre, clowns and face painting.
This year’s event also involved expansion of the programme to include community groups from Knocknaheeny, the “over-60s” talent show participants and the Cork School of Music.
Meanwhile, more than 200 boats took part in Saturday’s annual ocean to city race in Cork.
The 15-mile race started in Crosshaven, headed out to Roches Point before turning back and setting course for the city centre.