2006 Press release

Weather Fails to Dampen Spirits

The forecast heavy rain failed to dampen the spirits of the hundreds of visitors to this year’s Portpatrick Folk Festival. As it turned out the village was blessed with much better conditions than most of the region, with only a few showers interrupting an otherwise settled and sunny weekend.

Informal musical sessions were already underway in the harbour-front pubs on Friday as local piper Scott McCaig officially launched proceedings, playing from the Dorn Rock to families strolling around the harbour in the early evening sunshine.

Local seven-piece band Runt O’ the Litter played to a good audience in the Downshire Arms, the band’s eclectic repertoire reflecting their collective 200+ years of musical experience.

Back for their fifth successive year, Failte provided visitors to the Crown Hotel with great musical entertainment, playing on both Friday and Saturday nights, and taking an active part in the various sessions around the village.

An appreciative audience enjoyed fine musical performances at the Saturday concert, held in the Village Hall. Claire Mann, Leo McCann and Ewan MacPherson entertained those gathered with a thoughtful mix of tunes and songs, whilst Give Way, four sisters, played an energetic and inspirational set which set many a foot tapping. The compere for the evening thanked “A small but beautiful audience, in a small but beautiful village, at a small but beautiful festival”.

Glasgow-based band The Midden made a welcome return visit to the festival, playing to a packed house in the Downshire Arms on the Saturday night, with a quieter acoustic set in the Harbour House on Sunday afternoon.

Visiting Irish yacht crews swelled numbers appreciably and depleted bar stocks rapidly. One visiting boat crew emailed the festival organisers with this message: “Just arrived back in Carrickfergus after a very rough crossing and the run over by boat on Friday wasn't great either, but the weekend more than made up for it, especially the Friday night with the Runt O’ the Litter up to their usual brilliant best. Saturday improved as the weather and hangover improved. Another great festival, very many thanks, See you all next year!!”

Organisers Harry Harbottle and Marc Sheehan acknowledged support from local businesses, and especially the financial support granted by Gaelforce and the Dumfries and Galloway Events and Tourism Challenge Fund. They also thanked the Portpatrick Trust for moral, physical and intellectual support. Details of the works of the Portpatrick Trust can be found here.

Speaking for the organisers Harry Harbottle said “we really appreciate the effort people have put into this weekend; volunteers, musicians and local businesses have once again helped to provide a memorable festival. Make a date in your calendar – same time, same place in 2007”

The planning is already underway for next year’s event, and potential sponsors and helpers are being sought. Keep checking the website for details about 2007 and remember the date – always the first weekend in September!