‘Cavan Calling’

A new “homecoming festival” will attract diaspora back to Co Cavan this summer.

“Cavan Calling” will take place from 26 – 30 July. It is described as “a celebration of all things Breffni” and is aimed at “those living in Cavan, those from Cavan living overseas, those with Cavan ancestry, or those who simply have an affinity for the county”.

The line-up for the five-day event will include an outdoor concert on 29 July with headline performance from legendary rockers The Boomtown Rats. A founding member of the band, Pete Briquette is a native of Ballyjamesduff.

The festival programme also includes a street carnival in Cavan town, food markets, a fireworks display and a two-day ancestry conference. Other features include a performance of the acclaimed famine play In the Midst of Plenty and concerts by The Percy French Troubadours and The African Gospel Choir Dublin.

Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council John Paul Feely said it highlighted the “exceptional creative talent Cavan has to offer”.

Cavan Calling will also coincide with the centenary celebrations at Kingspan Breffni, the home of Cavan GAA.

The festival was originally planned to happen in 2020, but it was postponed due to the pandemic.