Despite small crowds, organisers insist Sligo Live is here to stay

The Sligo Live format is to be re-examined following low attendance over the bank holiday weekend festival.

Approximately 1,000 music lovers attended the concert on each night,about half the capacity at the specially erected tent at Sligo Race Cource.

However, organisers have praised both the musicians and spectators alike, commending the atmosphere throughout the three day music festival event.

"We would have liked bigger numbers but every other aspect went very well, with the atmosphere just amazing" said Sligo Live co-producer, Rory O'Connor.

Sligo Live now looks set to become a regular player in the summer music festival circuit, although the format is to re-examined.

"We will see what worked and what didn't, talk to people who went to the festival and those who didn't; to really come up with something unique," he said.

Mr O'Connor added that there are hopes to broaden the range of music next year, introducing more acts similar to Declan O'Rourke and Guggenheim Grotto who received great support on their respective nights.

"The line-up wasn't the orthodox folksy, with beards and sandals," he said.

"But we want to open it to people of all ages, with young people hearing the older acts and visa versa.

"And those who saw Guggenheim Grotto were blown away, they are just a very talented group of people."

Mr O'Connor added that while the sun was shining over the weekend, a number of acts also turned up the heat in the marquee with their star ability, including Dervish, Guggenheim Grotto, Kate Rusby, Solas and Duke Special.

"Next year I would love to get a good quality music with a lot of mileage.

"However, this is a long term project, something that is going to last."

Fellow co-producer, Shane Mitchell added that while "the music was great" and "the atmosphere around the town was brilliant", it was the support of the volunteers that ensured the festival's success.

“All along we wanted this festival to establish itself as a feature on the international circuit and to gain a reputation for quality. I think without doubt we did that over the weekend.

"Everyone has been very enthusiastic and the artists themselves were bowled over by the event and the wonderful setting here in Sligo," he said.

Senior tourism officer with the North West Tourism Board, Damien Brennan said that as an "inaugural June event", there was great interest in the festival.

"Accommodation was booked out on both the Friday and Saturday night," he said.

"The event's atmosphere was terrific and it has the potential to become a major event."

Sligo Champion 07-07-2006

By Maria Tracey