A BALLINA band will headline the Mayo Day Gala Concert which is due to take place in Manchester this May.
Flatout – an award-winning contemporary Irish trad band - will make a special trip to the city to play the event, which marks international Mayo Day, organisers confirmed this week.
“We have been counting down the days since it was first announced just over twelve months ago that an annual Mayo Day would be launched with celebrations taking place worldwide,” Mayo Manchester Tourism and Business Group director Tony Hennigan told The Irish Post.
"The whole of the Irish community in Manchester is looking forward to our Mayo Day weekend, not just those with Mayo roots, but as we have been helping with the social media campaign for the international event we know the reaction around the globe has also been unbelievable.”
He added: “So we are delighted to announce that Flatout will fly over to Manchester to headline our Mayo Day Gala Concert on Saturday, May 2, which takes place in St Mary’s Parish Centre in Levenshulme.
“The concert will showcase the very best of Mayo and Manchester music and dance talent.”
Other acts due to feature in the Mayo Day line-up in Manchester include an Irish Dance display from the award-winning Keegan Academy of Irish Dancing, which has roots in Co. Mayo, and an exclusive performance from Mayo singer Kevin Prendergast and the award-winning Fianna Phadraig Pipe Band.
And while the people of Manchester are celebrating on May 2 so too will their Mayo connected peers be around the world – as the inaugural international festival takes place on the same day across the globe.
But Manchester’s May concert will also whet the whistle of revellers for a second event the Mayo Manchester Tourism and Business Group is planning for later this year.
“The Mayo Day concert will be a showcase for our forthcoming week-long Mayo Manchester Music & Dance Tradfest, which we hope to stage around the August bank holiday in North Mayo,” Mr Hennigan explained.
“The Festival will run from July 30 to August 6 and we are still confirming the full line-up of venues and acts - so if anyone would like to get involved they should contact me.”
To get involved or for further information email [email protected]
