Hi all from Dublin,

It's been 3 weeks since the final session of the 2011 Frank Harte Fest. wow! the weekend was brilliant. This was the sixth year for the event and the format allied to the experience of the organisers has proved itself to be a winner. The venue is the Teachers' Club on Parnell Square and it is so central that I don't think it could be better, the staff and managment in the club are very supportive and go above and beyond the call of duty to help to make sure that all the events go smoothly. (Thanks Tadgh, Steve, Dave, Oomh and all the temps, you were mighty, one and all).

The festival which is organised by the Góilín Singers' Club has deservedly, earned a reputation for being one of the top traditional singing festivals, not just in Ireland, but throughout the English speaking world. One aspect that makes it so special is the number of international visitors that come to share the experience, At this years fest I met singers from Australia, USA, Canada, Norway, Germany, Holland, France, Spain, England, Scotland, Wales and from every county and corner of Ireland. At an impromptu session late on Sunday evening some of us listened to two young men from Nepal singing love songs and lullabies that they learned from their mothers when they were children, that was an experience that will live long in my memory

The annual Sunday morning singing and walking tour was centered on Glasnevin Cemetery. As one of the organisers I have gotten a lot of very positive feedback. Who would have thought that you could have so much fun in a graveyard? Well despite the rein, we did. There are many wonderful people whose last remains reside in Glasnevin cemetery and about 150 of the living did them proud with some great singers singing some great songs at the gravesides of some great people. It was very enjoyable and memorable

So, the organisers have met and are already making plans for the 7th annual Frank Harte Festival which will take place 21st, 22nd and 23rd September 2012. Feedback, positive and negative has been taken on board and small changes will ensure that the next featival will be even more successful than the one just gone. Names are being penciled in for inclusion as guests and ideas for the "Walk" are being mulled over for consideration.

If you participated in this years festival we would be grateful for any feedback or comments (positive or negative) that might help to ensure that FHF-2012 will be the best one yet.

Also, if you think have a good idea for a focus for the 2012 singing and walking tour we would love to hear from you.

Fergus