Before she became a household name on New Year’s Eve 2023 by performing at Jools Holland’s ‘Hootenanny’ show on BBC Two, Muireann Bradley performed at Letterkenny Busking Festival.
Asked if she would be performing this year Toni Forrester CEO of Letterkenny of Chamber of Commerce laughed ‘We were thrilled to have Muireann last year but unfortunately I think her schedule might be too busy this year to join us’. The teenage folk and blues musician is currently touring Ireland and the UK performing at sold out shows and will be in Wales on 17 August, when the Letterkenny Busking Festival takes place.
Jessica McKean
‘But we have a host of fantastic acts as usual’ she said ‘and speaking of up and coming talent, 11 year old Jessica McKean is one to watch out for’ added Toni.
Jessica is from Lifford and her rich, sultry voice belies her young years. She performed at the Junior Eurovision last year in Nice and gave a mesmerising performance of a beautiful song as Gaeilge called ‘Aisling’ in front of a live television audience of millions. Jessica was only 10 years old at this time.
No stranger to the stage, she won her first singing competition at Fèis when she was aged just 3 years old. She is also known to do a fun rendition of the Patsy Cline song from 1956 I Love You Honey, a lively wee ditty that would surely get people dancing on the streets of Letterkenny.
Attendees to Letterkenny Busking Festival this year will be treated to performances by Jessica amongst other talented buskers and performers from lots different genres such as folk, rap, rock and jazz.
Fierce competition
It’s mostly about the fun but don’t forget it’s also a competition and there are also prizes to be won including €500 for the winner. ‘We anticipate fierce competition for the top spot” said Jimmy Stafford, chair of the festival committee.
The festival, which is in its 9th vibrant year takes place all along the main street on 17 August from 1.30pm – 3pm and will bring great entertainment and a fun atmosphere for all to enjoy. It is organised by the Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce through its ShopLK brand and funded by the Retail Promotion initiative by Donegal County Council.
Letterkenny Ukulele who were the winners of the Letterkenny Busking Festival 2023.
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