04/06/2026
Tubbercurry Global Gathering - Festival of Cultures, an outstanding success.
Tubbercurry FRC were delighted to work with Sligo Leader Partnership in bringing this new event to Tubbercurry as part of the County’s Africa Day Celebrations. St Bridgid’s Hall was the place to be last Saturday, for a day of Sean-nós dancing, African drumming and Archery workshops, as well as performances from Down Syndrome Sligo; Tubbercurry’s signing group The Melodics’; Sligo Gospel Choir and some Ukrainian signers all of which ensured that the over 300 attendees of all ages were kept entertained.
Maria Ward, New Communities Worker with Tubbercurry FRC said “It was especially heartwarming to see so many different nationalities coming together and sharing their culture and traditions with many in their traditional costumes. This resulted in a colourful and festival atmosphere which carried on throughout the day.” She continued “This cultural diversity and inclusivity was shown throughout the day in the different artistic talents that were on display and also in the food offerings that were available through the Global Kitchen, from local businesses and local volunteers.”
Sandra Cribben, Tubbercurry FRC Project Coordinator said “We want to thank everyone who helped in any way and we were delighted with the success of the day as it portrayed how welcoming Tubbercurry is and gave a great representation of it as an intercultural rural town. What was especially enlightening to see was how Tubbercurry Chamber of Commerce and the business community came on board with the event and really bought into the project, under the leadership of Geraldine Brennan, it was great to have some of the local businesses donate food and products and others who put up windows displays, which enabled the theme to be seen throughout the town.” Sandra continued “What started off as a small event idea between the Sligo Leader Partnership and FRC Intercultural staff teams, quickly grew into a bigger event due to the buy in from local Irish and African volunteers who attended a planning event in the FRC in March and it was great that Sligo Leader Partnership had the budget to fund the event, without which it could not have happened”.
Victoria Newton one of the African volunteers and Tubbercurry resident said “It was so lovely and heartwarming to see the different cultures engaging, showcasing their native food, dress and traditions and also to meet up with old friends with the groups that came out from Sligo Town, from all over the county to attend the event, I had such a lovely day with my family and friends and I hope that this is just the start of these Global Gatherings in Tubbercurry.”
