Van Morrison and Imelda May to join extended Feis in Finsbury Park

Published: 18th March, 2011
by TERRY MESSENGER

THE Feis Irish and international music festival in Finsbury Park is to be extended for a second day with Bob Dylan headlining on Saturday, June 18, and Van Morrison topping the bill the following day.

The Feis (pronounced Fesh) is the successor festival to the Flead (pronounced Flah) which ceased in 2004.

Irish impresario Vince Power, who ran the Fleadh, decided to revive the open-air event in the park under a different name.

He said: “Because of the popularity of the first day and the number of bands wanting to play, we have had to extend the festival. 

“I am delighted to confirm that Van Morrison is to headline the second night and this is shaping to be a great celebration.”

Bob Dylan was inspired by Irish traditional music and has borrowed themes and tunes from the genre.

And Van Morrison pioneered the Belfast beat in the early 60s with his band Them before exploring other styles including Irish traditional.

Joining the more established names is Dublin rockabilly act Imelda May, who topped the Irish charts with her album Love Tattoo.

Other confirmed acts include Sharon Shannon, the Fureys, Christy Moore, The Waterboys, The Undertones and the Afro Celt Sound System. More acts will be announced in the run up to the event on  June 18.