Calling all Street Entertainers & Musicians

Samhlaiocht today issued a call for entries for the Annual Busking and Street Entertainment Competition which will take place as part of the Samhlaiocht Easter Arts Festival, which runs in Tralee from April 11th to April 13th, inclusive.

All street entertainers are invited to take part in the festivities, everything from talented musicians, jugglers, singers, dancers, comedians, fire-eaters and street artists will be welcome. The competition will take place on Easter Saturday, April 12th from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. with registration taking place from 2pm in the Samhlaiocht office.

"Music and entertainment have always played a huge part in the Samhlaiocht Easter Arts Festival," said Jason O' Mahony, the Director of Samhlaiocht. "This is the third year of the Busking and Street Entertainment competition and we’re hoping to build on last year's competition that brought such fun and excitement to the streets of Tralee."

"We're really looking forward to the Samhlaiocht Easter Arts Festival and we know that the Busking and Street Entertainment Competition will complement all the other free activities that we organise for Tralee," said Michele Sheehan, co-ordinator of the competition. "The town will come alive with all kinds of wonderful entertainment. This year we're introducing the Samhlaiocht Perpetual Shield, which is kindly sponsored by Trophy World Tralee. The Shield will be on display in the Samhlaiocht offices and the winning act every year will have their names inscribed on the Shield. But there's also a trophy for the winners and a wee medal for all competitors, so everyone's a winner!"

The people of Kerry have proven to be very supportive of Samhlaiocht and of the Easter Festival as well as being enthusiastic supporters of the Artists and Entertainers that come to the County each Easter weekend. Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann and the Tralee Branch of the Vintners Federation of Ireland, as a show of appreciation, have offered to sponsor the Busking and Street Entertainment Competition.

"The support we receive from local business people and our main corporate sponsors, Kerry Group, quite literally keeps the festival alive," added Jason O' Mahony. "We're indebted to them all and especially grateful to Comhaltas and the Vintners' Federation for supporting the Street Entertainment competition."

With artists from all over Ireland descending on Tralee for three days over Easter, the annual Easter Arts Festival has become a favourite bank holiday treat for lovers of the Arts, Culture and Craic. This year the festival promises to whip up a whirlwind of fresh, exciting music, dance, literature, street theatre, workshops, children's activities, markets, a parade and much more.

Finnegan's Hostel on Denny Street Tralee, which is a long time supporter of Samhlaiocht, has offered a discount rate to entertainers that come from outside of Tralee. To book a room please call 066 712 7610 or log onto www.finneganshostel.com

Anyone interested in taking part in the competition should contact Mike Foley or Michelle Sheehan of Samhlaiocht on 066 712 9934 or through email on mike@samhlaiocht.com