Sustain West Cork Weekend August 24 – 26

A great weekend! If you missed it, or are interested in other events, look at our Community Solutions page HERE.

Programme of Events

Bantry Library Sat 18th - 26th August

An exhibition including information about Sustain West Cork and our projects will be displayed in Bantry Library during the week prior to the festival and throughout the weekend. Bee Making Workshop with Luisa McCarthy. Sat. 18th Aug 3-5pm for 5-10year olds. Max 12. Making 3D Bees from recycled materials to be displayed as part of an Exhibition over the weekend, highlighting the decline of the Bee population and its' impact on pollination, food supplies and bio-diversity in the environment. In conjunction with local campaign and survey work led by Tim Rowe. Bees can be collected at close of Exhibition.

The Sustainable Homes Exhibition will take place at the Bantry Show, Sunday September 2

Featuring a demonstration low energy building this is the perfect opportunity for anyone interested in green
building materials & techniques or wanting to save money on household bills or just curious to know how alternative energy systems work.

Friday

Shop Locally Food Focus:

Local food production, fresh, locally grown produce and the importance of food quality in Ireland will be highlighted.

9am-1pm The Friday Market starts before 9am where a wide selection of high quality produce will be available with stall holders promoting locally produced, organic, fair-trade and ethically traded items. Local shops and businesses will also be invited to promote the goods they offer which support local producers in particular as well as other “Green” products.

All Day on the Square

Local Crafts and Gardens displays. Food plants and garden displays.

Quality, organic and fair trade food and refreshments will be available on the square.

Theatre and Children’s performers.

Sustain West Cork will have a covered information stand and be available to talk to about future projects.

Exhibition

St Brendan’s National School, Wolfe Tone Square. 1-6pm Friday, Saturday & Sunday Admission Free.

Information & displays relating to the social, economic and environmental issues of sustainability. Including
the StreamScapes Project, Community Gardens at NLN, Roscarbery Eco Project, Art & crafts by local children on the theme of climate change including “Eco-Inventions” by the K2 Arts Summer Camps and Youth projects, creations based on their own ideas for solutions to our current environmental problems. All the entries for the festival logo schools drawing competition are on display.

Herb Walk. 

Meet 6pm.The Anchor, Bantry Square, (charge  €7) 

A guided walk through the back streets of Bantry by qualified Herbalist, Dean Moriaty. This is a fascinating tour discovering the vast store of edible & medicinal herbs growing in cracks, crevices and waste ground all around you.

Evening Launch 

Christy Moore with Declan Sinnott & Mark Edward’s Hard Rain slide show & talk: (SOLD OUT)

Doors open 7.30pm, St. Brendan’s Church. Wolfe Tone Square. (All tickets sold out)

Sustain West Cork hosts the evening highlighting some of the many issues surrounding economic, social and environmental sustainability.

Christy Moore, one of Ireland's best loved singer songwriters with a string of acclaimed albums and high profile tours performs a special concert with Declan Sinnott. All profits from the performance are being donated to Sustain West Cork to help fund the festival & future projects. 

“Hard Rain” Our Headlong Collision with Nature presented by Mark Edwards

Mark Edwards, one of the most widely published editorial photographers in the world, returns to Bantry with his evocative and moving presentation of the Hard Rain Book and Exhibition. Over several years Mark took pictures of his travels through more than 150 countries. The resulting collection reinterprets Bob Dylan’s classic song as a powerful commentary on climate change, environmental collapse and global poverty. It is an urgent appeal to world leaders – and all citizens – to act responsibly to sustain all of humanity, while also sustaining the planet.

Mark’s Hard Rain presentation is a series of unforgettable and sometimes disturbing pictures accompanied by Dylan’s prophetic lyric written more than 40 years ago. The Hard Rain exhibition was launched on 24th May 2006– Bob Dylan's 65th birthday, as a spectacular 40-metre outdoor canvas at the Eden Project in Cornwall. The canvas, the first reportage exhibition of its kind now on tour through Europe will be displayed in Bantry Square over the Weekend. Bob Dylan has recently agreed to promote the book & the  project in conjunction with his new album.

In response to the publication of Mark’s “Hard Rain” book Christy Moore said ‘this book inspires me to try and stand again. To know that others share this bleakest outlook brings a ray of hope.’

Saturday

Exhibition 

Exhibition: St Brendan’s National School, Wolfe Tone Square 10 – 6pm (See Friday for details)

On Your Bike

Cycle Skills and Safety Training with CYCLESENSE.  For 9-12 yr. olds. Free. 3.30pm-5pm

Places limited to 20 so booking in advance essential. Bikes and Helmets provided.
Further info from Ruth 087 9242222 or Katie 087 7589716

'Your Planet – Your Future'

A film screening of the short-listed entries from the Bantry Youth Film Competition for 14-19 yr olds.

1.30pm “The Attic” Youth Café, Warner Centre, Barrack Street.

The environment and climate change is the issue of the moment; however most of the people involved in these discussions won't be around to live through the impacts of their decisions. Teenagers may have strong views on how the world should be but without a vote and they will be the ones living here in the future. The competition provided an opportunity for teenagers to make their views known and let the decision makers know how they think it should be done. The competition entries will be judged by environmental photographer Mark Edwards.

This first public screening is followed by a prize giving for the winners, sponsored by Bantry Mayor, Mary Hegarty.

Lecture & Workshop programme

Christian Fellowship Hall 10am – 6pm. Admission Free. Suggested donations: Full day €15 Afternoon only €10

Sustainable Development and our Local Community.

A day dedicated to exploring the issues of local action in response to climate change, energy consumption and sustainable development.

10am Welcome & Introduction.

(Hosted by Sustain West Cork)

What is Sustainability? The World Commission of Environment and Development defined sustainable development as development that “meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Our Common Future (1987), Oxford:Oxford University Press.

This morning’s speakers introduce potential solutions to the pressing need for a low carbon, energy efficient & sustainable future. 
After lunch we explore the issues involved in making effective legislation that reflects the needs of the local community with an opportunity to participate in the debate.

10:15 The Natural Step. Phoebe Bright,(Vivid Logic & Energy Scenarios Ireland)

Phoebe addresses some critical issues. What might a thriving, sustainable rural economy look like in West Cork in 10 years time? Examining a scenario where peak oil does not happen for some time and a scenario where it is happening now. What are the opportunities for the future?

11:00 Community Powerdown and the “Village”. Mike Holden.

Ireland's leading experiment in developing a low carbon community, 'The Village' at Cloughjordan provides a model for peak oil-forced decentralisation and the regeneration of villages and towns in the approaching post-cheap oil world. Mike Holden is a member of the project and describes the potential of neighbourhood scale development and sustainable communities as a future reality.

11:45 Transition Towns. Klaus Harvey

Kinsale is most notable for having the support of the Kinsale Town Council, who have granted €5000 for community garden projects, schools projects and information leaflets. The objective is to reduce the energy demands of the Town, Klaus Harvey will talk about the Kinsale Project.

12:30 Question & Answers

1pm Lunch

2pm Making Legislation for Climate Change. 

David Puttnam & Jonathon Porritt.

Legislation passed now will affect the environment for generations to come. David Puttnam, a film producer best known for “Chariots of Fire” and the“Killing Fields” & more recently Chairman of the Joint Committee on the Draft Climate Change Bill in the UK. now resident in West Cork, David has been working towards legislation that is the first of its kind worldwide.

Jonathon Porritt, Co-Founder and Programme Director of “Forum for the Future”, is an eminent writer, broadcaster and commentator on sustainable development. Established in 1996, Forum for the Future is now the UK's leading sustainable development charity. In July 2000 Jonathon was appointed Chairman of the “UK Sustainable Development Commission” . This is the British Government's principal source of independent advice across the whole sustainable development agenda.

3.30pm 'Moving the Goalposts' Michael Ewing

"Your rights to access environmental information and participate in environmental decision making, and how to exercise them.”

During this 'World Cafe' forum the audience have the opportunity to particiate fully in the debating process, with Michael Ewing, Senior Researcher The Centre for Sustainability, IT Sligo

The ‘Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, 1992’, states: “Environmental issues are best handled with the participation of all concerned citizens, at the relevant level.” Just how much real influence can people have on decision-making that could have environmental and health impacts?

6pm Conclusion

7.00pm Free Showing of Mark Edward’s Hard Rain slide show & talk 

The Bantry Bay Hotel, Wolfe Tone Square.

(see Friday for details)

Music at the West Lodge Hotel

Sponsored by The Department Of Justice Integration of Migrants Fund.

Fist band 9pm –Late. Admission €10. An impressive line up of cross-cultural musical acts. Including African rhythms, Latin, funk, reggae, soul and jazz to lift the spirit and awaken the soul. Featuring rising local band Mannikin, Cork’s The Bobby Lee Band & Polish band Poles Apart. & Special Guest

POLES APART

They’re young, Polish, polished and proud! This is one of the most exciting new bands in the Cork area and they have been astounding audiences with their own unique mix of Latino, funk and blues rhythms with a sprinkling of jazz. Poles Apart receive rave reviews wherever they perform around Ireland, don’t miss them! Halo Polska!

THE BOBBY LEE BAND 

(review of a support gig for Kila July 07)

Bobby, previously of Hooky, one of the top unsigned bands of 1999, was a face we recognised from Ireland‘s music scene in general. From The Meeting Place Award to the Fender Award, Bobby has made his mark and continues to do so.

Their first song, "Back to Back", sounded a lot like Metallica‘s softer material. A great rolling sound, climaxing with hard rock solos. Ollie went on to use a snare train shuffle for the next one, "Water to Wine". There was a strong Gallagher/Spanish guitar flavour that Bobby brought off beautifully. Face-off solos between lead and bass, and then bass and drums, built the atmosphere into a comfortable, loving-it groove.

"20-20", a song about looking with the heart and not the eyes, shows off Bobby‘s award-winning singer-song writing abilities. An electric lead may have added that extra oomph to this one though... Their fourth number, "Anyone", began a little unusually, with Alan providing a heartbeat by slapping his damped bass strings.

Rónán and Dee, from Kíla, joined them for the last song "Open Doors". It was reminiscent of Clannad and had a dark sound. Good music for a medieval chase on horseback through a forest!

They were a suitably talented and skilled band to precede Kíla. I‘m looking forward to more of Bobby Lee and his soon to be renamed band... I hope they don‘t hold back on the hard stuff!

MANNIKIN

Mannikin hale from Ireland and the beautiful south west of it at that! all living in West Cork in the general Bantry area and it is here that they do the majority of gigging and are expanding their spellbound audience over a larger area as you read these very letters. the four started playing together in this current line up in August 2006 and clicked together immediately. With their wide range of musical tastes they hope they have blended together to create that sort of music that is sonicly pleasing and ultimately euphonic!

Sunday

Exhibition

St Brendan’s National School, Wolfe Tone Square 12 – 6pm (See Friday for details)

Community on the Square

A programme of family events with a multi cultural flavour throughout the day. 12-6pm

Quality, organic and fair trade food and refreshments will be available on the square.

Theatre and Children’s performers throughout the day.

Music, on stage. 

Children's Workshops

12pm: Things to make from recycled or found materials which can be played or worn in the parade.

For the cost of €1 each child can make a “Squonkerphone”, a musical instrument which makes a very satisfying noise.

Native American style Head-dress Making for 3-7 yrs. with the Two Rivers Kindergarten.

Costumes from salvaged and recycled items with Susy Cremers.

Parade

1:30pm Through the town featuring “Eco-Inventions” by the K2 Arts Summer Camps and Youth projects. Creations based on their own ideas for solutions to our current environmental problems.

Accompanied by “Sambakista” samba band.

Traditional Dancing & Music

3pm. Ceili. Set Dance. Captain Francis O’Niell’s Dance platform with local musicians and callers.

Klezmer and Gypsy with The Fireflies.
Traditional music contributions from other cultures.

THE FIREFLIES

The Fireflies are one of Ireland's first Klezmer bands, featuring Fiona Ashley on clarinet, Ruti Lachs on piano accordion, Fred on bass guitar and Billy Spoonsberg on drums. Formed in 2003, and constantly evolving, they have performed their lively, infectious mix of Klezmer, Gypsy, and assorted folk styles in numerous venues around Ireland, including the first World Music Festival in Cork city, Waterford Spraoi, the Tall Ships festival, the Dunlaoghaire Festival of World Cultures, Feile na Bealtaine An Daingean, Ballydehob Jazz Festival, and at Klezfest London.

www.myspace.com/thefirefliesklezmer

For further details contact: Ruti Lachs 064 32004 or rutil@gofree.indigo.ie 
Fiona Ashley 028 37951 or flootytootie@googlemail.com

Klezmer is the lively and danceable Jewish wedding music which originated in the Jewish communities of Eastern Europe in the 19th Century. Klezmer is very popular and upcoming in Europe, the USA and Britain, and now in Ireland too. The Fireflies have presented workshops in Klezmer music and dance in Cork and Kerry, and continue to share their funky stuff at multicultural events locally.

The Fireflies set includes Gypsy and European tunes, as well as songs, including Yiddish ballads and original compositions. The Fireflies encourage audience participation, stamping, clapping, dancing, and joining in the occasional chorus of “ai-ai-ai”. Their arrangements of Klezmer tunes are characterised by great energy, enthusiasm and humour. The lyrical and harmonic instrumentation of the clarinet and accordion combine with the walking talking bass and the drum backing that ranges from subtle, through stomping, to pure wild. This all gives the audience a rich experience that brings them back again and again.

The Fireflies are available for festivals, functions, arts events and, of course, weddings. Audiences are guaranteed a foot-stomping good time!

“Will even get your granny up dancing…something for everybody in the wedding party” Irish Times

“Rich exotic tones, adventurous harmonies, amusing, insightful and accessible to everyone” West Cork Advertiser

“A real sense of Eastern Europe” Kerry’s Eye

“Outrageous….I love it!!” Anon, a party

Theatre

"...In Search of Colour..." presented by Play Acting Theatre Productions.

Family Entertainment based on the concept of the Smallest Theatre in the World.

Watch out for Abdul the Camel & other characters.

Bicycles Maintenance Workshop

3.30pm on the Square. Bring along your bike and learn simple maintenance skills

Lecture & Workshop Programme 

3pm – 6pm  The Maritime Hotel. Admission Free. Suggested donations: €6

Ethical Consumerism, Local Resources and Food Production at Home.

3pm Jacinta French, Wood Kerne Nurseries. 

Trees and the use of land as a resource for low maintenance, long term food production.

3.30pm Madelaine McKeever, Brown Envelope Seeds. 

Growing salad plants through the winter. Practical hints and tips on how to ensure a winter long supply of vitamin rich leaves.

4.00pm Mike Holden, Global Action Plan. Composting.

Soil maintenance is at the heart of organic growing: don't feed the plants, feed the soil -- the plants will look after themselves. The complex subject of soil maintenance can happily be summed up in one word: composting. Well-made compost is the ideal soil-food and impoverished, sick soils can be restored and maintained at high levels of fertility.

5pm Break

5.15pm Jacqi Hodgson, Cork Environmental Forum: Sustainable Packaging & Recycling

Fed up with throwing half the shopping in the bin? This workshop will explore which types of packaging are less damaging to our environment and how as consumers we can promote the kinds of packaging we want on the goods we buy. Less is definitely more when it comes to packaging.

The Sustainable Homes Exhibition will take place at the
Bantry Show September 2

This programme of events may be subject to change.

Sustain West Cork would like to thank the following for their assistance & support for this festival: Allied Print, Cork, Bantry Agricultural Show, Bantry Christian Fellowship, Bantry Town Council, Bantry District Garda, Bantry Youth Cafe, Booksteps, K2 Arts, Canon Paul Willoughby & The Church of Ireland, Christy Moore, Organico Café, Tom O’Sullivan of Key Properties, Sign Studio Skibbereen, The Bantry Bay Hotel, The Maritime Hotel, The West Lodge Hotel, Up-Time Printing, West Cork Music, West Cork Community Partnership
& all our volunteers.