Irish beauty pageant winner, Edinburgh lass Jemma Ferry, showed the spirit of Ireland as she helped launch the Donegal Live music festival today.
The event will bring the Donegal craic and culture to Scotland on 1 May with the best music and entertainment from the region, giving Scots a taste of the historic county.
Jemma, 22, of East Craigs, Edinburgh, has been visiting Donegal since her childhood, and last year won the world-famous Mary of Dungloe pageant, beating Daniel O’Donnell’s niece to the crown.
She joined former Miss Scotland and 2003 Mary of Dungloe, Aisling Friel, to encourage Scots to find their Irish roots at the free event in Glasgow. This is the first year Donegal Live will be held outside of Ireland.
Donegal Live will see the city’s Merchant’s Square brought to life with the sounds of Donegal and Scotland from 12 noon to 6pm before culminating in a ticketed concert by Daniel O’Donnell and Mickey Harte at the Royal Concert Hall in the evening.
The former Edinburgh University student said, “It’s fantastic the spirit and craic of Donegal is coming to Scotland. It’s a magical place, from the music, the culture to the people and I’m sure the Scots will take everyone to their hearts. It will be a perfect way to spend the bank holiday with all the family.”
The Mullaghduff Pipe Band will lead the Donegal Live entertainment in the afternoon alongside artists including the Irish Minstrels, CCE, the McHugh Group, the Friel sisters, Paul McKenna Band, the Amadáns and the Wakes.
There will also be clowns, face painting, magicians for all the family and a midday ceili (Irish ceilidh) with music by the St. Roch’s CCE and the Ardara Set Dancing Group. Visitors will also be able to enjoy stalls showcasing all that Donegal has to offer from food, trips, accommodation and leisure activities.
Hugh Harkin, organiser of Donegal Live, said,“We are delighted to bring the colour and the craic of Ireland to Glasgow with Donegal Live. Scots know how to party just as much as the Irish and with music, entertainment and fun for all the family it will be a great day out. We had 25,000 people in Temple Bar in Dublin last year and we’re expecting an amazing atmosphere in Glasgow this May Day too.”
