Irish Heritage Festival on tap Sunday along Hallet Street

The sixth Dorchester Irish Heritage Festival, a Columbus Day Weekend fixture and the very model of a neighborhood event, will take place on Sun., Oct. 9, at the crossroads of Florian Hall (55 Hallet St.) and the John McKeon Post AmVets 146 (4 Hilltop St.), with a bevy of Boston-area and Eastern Massachusetts acts.

Supported by many local businesses and other patrons, and run by a contingent of loyal volunteers, the daylong festival attracts thousands of Irish/Celtic music and dance aficionados to watch – and occasionally participate in – entertainment on three different stages. The festival also includes family entertainment, and cultural activities, as well as food and vendor booths selling clothing, souvenirs, novelties, jewelry, and various other items.

Among the musical performers confirmed as of press time are: The Silver Spears, Erin Og, Margaret McCarron and Erin’s Melody, The Fenian Sons, Micheal O Leary, Pauline Wells, Devri, Colm O Brien, George Keith, Liam Francis Hart, The Gobshites, Colleen White and Sean Smith, The Dooleys, Jack Dalton, Maureen McNally, Boxty, the trio of Keohane, Kenneally & Moriarty, DJ Sean O’Toole, Paudi Walsh and Joe Walsh, as well as musicians with Boston’s Hanafin-Cooley-Reynolds branch of Comhaltas Ceóltoirí Éireann.

Dance performers include Kieran Jordan Dance, Maureen Green- O Leary School of Dancing, Kenny Academy of Irish Dancing, Harney Academy of Irish Dance, and Boston College Irish Dance. Festival-goers also will have the opportunity to take part in traditional Irish set dancing.

For information and updates on the Festival, see dorchesteririshheritagefest.com.


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