Launching the first TradAsh Festival in Donaghmore Ashbourne GAA club were (from left) Ian Jenkinson, Martin Markham and Sean Smith.

Ashbourne trad festival aims for world record

A traditional music festival, 'TradAsh', will take place at the end of this month in four venues around the town. The inaugural festival takes place from Friday 23rd to 25th April next. The south Meath and Fingal areas are renowned for world-class musicians and cultural talents, and the idea behind the TradAsh festival is to capture and embrace all of these musical talents. As part of the festival, Donaghmore/Ashbourne GAA Club will be hoping to achieve a world record on Sunday 25th April. The record attempt will be for the most musicians playing the Irish national anthem simultaneously. All musicians of all ages are asked to participate in the Guinness Book of World Records attempt. The record attempt will start at 5pm on Sunday 25th April. All musicians must register in the club at 3pm. Adults and children are welcome to participate. Any children under 18 must be signed in by their parent, as part of the Guinness Book of Records rules. Bring your own instrument. The National Anthem will be played in the key of D. Once registered, each participant will receive a wristband. Everyone must be registered in order to participate. All participants will receive a certificate following the registration process with the Guinness Book of Records head office in London. The festival session venues are Friday 23rd April, Fox Inn, Ballymadun; Saturday 24th April, GAA Club, Ashbourne, with songwriters' open mic in function room; Sunday 25th April, The Fox's Den, Main Street, Ashbourne Sunday morning music session; Sunday 25th, world record attempt in Donaghmore-Ashbourne GAA Club. Find more information online at www.tradash.com