Hi all,
making my way to Miltown to plunge into the circus for the first time. We’re a month out and I’d love to hear some tips and tricks for survival. Hopefully I’ll manage to run into some of you surly folks as well.
Keep your money in your underwear and dont eat anything thats cooked in the back of a van.
RORY
Been a decade since I’ve been, but I’m sure this still holds water: if you want to get into a particular pub on a day, get in early. In the evening everything was packed to the brim. Also even if you don’t dance, check out one of the dances. It was fun to see a well oiled ceili band in person.
Bring a tape recorder/modern equivalent.
Every day at 1pm they have a free recital in the main hall. Normally one up and coming piper and one established. These are always excellent. The evening recitals are ticketed events and generally fill up fast. The fiddle recital in particular is spectacular but consequently packs out. Arrive early for a good seat.
Are you attending classes? If so decide what you’d like to get out before you go, technique, tunes, airs, etc. They often have different one off master classes in different things. Try and attend these if even just to listen. Also check out the pipe makers showcase if you can. There are always a few album launches too.
Get your accommodation sorted as soon as possible.
On one night (Wednesday or Thursday I believe) the local kids all arrive in town for a pissup. Avoid this like the plague.
Be prepared for changeable weather. Three years ago it was hitting the 30s and insanely humid. Last two years it was a total washout.
Bring lots of money for the NPU shop, excellent selection of CDs, books, etc.
This short documentary by Myles O’Reilly get you in the mood for it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N83giEKPyW8
I can recommend this book too, A Touchstone for the Tradition, a joint effort by Tony Kearns and Barry Taylor. Part daily documentary, part history and great photos.
https://www.amazon.com/Touchstone-Tradition-Willie-Clancy-Summer/dp/0863223087?ie=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0
I don’t have any recollections of a ‘total washout’. Two years ago was quite nice as far as I remember (some photos) and last year had rain towards the end of the week. But be prepared for anything, the weather is quite lovely at the moment and we may well be using up this year’s ration of sunshine right now.
As for the week, enjoy the company you find yourself in, don’t get too nervous about missing anything: you’re likely to miss out on more while trying to chase up the next best session in (or outside) the town. When you’re enrolled for the school you get into the concerts without additional cost (except saturday). Just go with it and play it by ear. And as Rory said, keep an eye on your stuff.
Dont forget to visit Willie . As far as I know there is some kind of official gathering during the week.
RORY
Sunday afternoon is a good time, music at the graveside:
And a likeness of the man himself in the street:
Thanks for the tips everyone. I am pre-registered for classes so once more information comes out I’ll have that portion of things settled. I’m staying in town so accommodation is set. As I won’t be driving k don’t have to worry too much about chasing sessions as I’ll just be going where things look interesting. Do C or B sessions ever pop up? Debating bringing at least the C chanter.
Curious that Willie ,who some say prefered playing flat pitched pipes should be immortalised playing a concert pitch set.
RORY
who some say prefered playing flat pitched pipes
Never heard anyone make that point, any idea who that was Rory?
thebest time to get a seat is during changeover from day to night sessions. early eve when people have to go eat!!