Cavan gears up for Street Seisiún

The Anglo-Celt Street Seisiún buskers' competition kicked off last Monday evening as part of the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil and judging will continue in junior and senior sections throughout the week, building up to the big final on the Peace III gig rig this Sunday evening at 6pm. But unlike the official fleadh competitions, competitors don't need to qualify for the Street Seisiún and anybody can come along and join in. The event is being run in conjunction with the Fleadh Executive Committee and FM Studios in Belturbet. The aim of the Street Seisiún is to bring the music and craic onto the streets of Cavan town, throughout the week, and take the best of that talent onto the stage as one of the headline events on the gig rig for the grand finale on Sunday evening. The prize fund is currently running at over €5,000 with sponsors including The Anglo-Celt, FM Studios, the Fleadh Executive Committee, McDonalds (Cavan) and PT McWilliams (Omagh). Emphasis will be on fun and entertainment with traditional music, singers and dancers all encouraged to take part. There are three categories: U12, 12-18 and senior with a top prize of €1,000 and a recording contract in FM Studios for the winner. It's not necessary to enter and there's no entry fee- just get out onto the streets and busk to your heart's content within the designated areas - to be in with a chance of winning. However, those under 18 may register their details if they so wish in the former ACC bank building on Main Street, opposite the Farnham Arms Hotel. Anonymous judges will be circulating along the main street area between The Egg Market and Black's Newsagents and also on Bridge Street, Town Hall Street and Thomas Ashe Street. A number of unique covers have been erected to facilitate this even in inclement weather. Judges will be circulating Monday to Thursday from 5pm to 7pm seeking talent in the U12 and 12-18 categories. There will be daily winners in each of these categories - while two finalists from each category will go through to The Anglo-Celt Street Seisiún final on the gig rig on Sunday, August 22 from 6pm to 8pm. The senior section of the busking competition will take place over the weekend in the designated areas (outlined above) from 5pm to 8pm on Friday, 12 noon to 5pm on Saturday and 12 noon to 3pm on Sunday. Judges will be approaching the best of the talent they see on the streets with a view to picking finalists for the gig rig on Sunday evening. Former Eurovision winner Charlie McGettigan and Shannonside/Northern Sound presenter will head up the judging panel for the gig rig final, while Cavan's very own music man, Martin Donohoe, will perform the honours as MC. The final will be broadcast and streamed live on The Anglo-Celt website (www.anglocelt.ie) by Maguire Media. • See www.anglocelt.ie/streetseisiun for more details.