More news this week of specialist festivals in the offing for autumn, with the Beamish Folk Festival the most recently announced.

It will take place in Cork from September 30th to October 3rd, and performers already signed up include Gemma Hayes, Shane MacGowan, Eddi Reader, Sharon Shannon and Iarla Ó Lionáird. There will also be smaller-scale sets in pubs around the city, as well as workshops, céilís and markets. corkfolkfestival.com

The Waterford International Music Festival, incorporating four programmes (the Light Opera Festival, the High School Festival, the Gospel Festival and the Fringe Festival) will run from November 2nd to 13th, and promises an extensive spread of musical and theatrical acts for all ages.

waterfordintlmusicfestival.com