Acclaimed Mayo musicians to perform at Westport Christmas charity concert
Westport will welcome a special celebration of Celtic music and Christmas tradition this December, as acclaimed Mayo musicians Emer Mayock and David Munnelly join performers from Ireland and Scotland for concert titled 'A Grand Celtic Christmas.'
The charity concert will take place at St. Mary's Church, Westport, on Thursday, December 17 at 7 p.m., featuring an evening of choral music, solo performances, duets, spirited traditional tunes and festive melodies.
Among those performing are Castlebar musician Emer Mayock, an internationally recognised flute and uilleann pipes player, and Belmullet-born accordionist David Munnelly, who has performed with some of the best-known names in Irish traditional music, including The Chieftains and De Dannan.
The concert is being organised entirely in aid of Vincentian Lay Missionaries (VLM), an Irish charity supporting education and sustainable development projects for marginalised communities in Africa.
Fr. Michael McCullagh, founder of VLM, said: “We are absolutely delighted that St. Mary's, Westport are hosting A Grand Celtic Christmas.”
The event will be the first of its kind to be held in Mayo, with organisers hoping it will become an annual event.
Fr. Michael added: “Our motto is 'Do one thing, do something'. By joining us and sharing our tradition with our Celtic cousins, you will be contributing greatly to our developmental work.”
The concert has received generous support from musicians, singers and volunteers, many of whom have offered their time and services to help make the evening possible.
Peter Devers, a Scottish volunteer with VLM living in Westport, said: “I've been touched by the wonderful generosity of spirit from musicians, singers, sound and lighting engineers, marketing, advertising people and many more who have so kindly offered their services for free. It really makes a world of a difference.”
With a wonderful line-up of musicians, a beautiful setting and a worthy cause at its heart, organisers are encouraging people from across Mayo and beyond to come along and enjoy an evening of Christmas and Celtic music while supporting the work of VLM.
Tickets cost €20, with all proceeds going directly to support the international development work of Vincentian Lay Missionaries.
Tickets are available from Seamus Duffy Bookshop in Westport, Peter Devers on 087 798 9253, or online here.