Samhain Irish Festival

The Samhain Festival: Celtic celebration in the heart of Haute-Loire

Each year, on the occasion of the Celtic festival of Samhain — the Celtic New Year marking the transition between the light and dark seasons — the town of Chadrac vibrates to the rhythm of traditional Irish music. The association Triple Stout, also known as Paddy's Friends, brings together enthusiasts, musicians, and the curious for a weekend of immersion in Irish culture.

A Rich and Accessible Program

The festival spans two days, around October 31st and November 1st, with a program designed for all audiences:

• Concerts: Several traditional and Celtic Irish music groups perform on stage in the evenings, featuring local and guest bands. Among the artists who have marked the early editions: Skyroad, Les Frères Bumpkins, Weasel, the duo Quéré & Vuidart, and the duo Pierre-Louis & Lucas.
• Open Sessions: During the day, starting at 2 PM, traditional Irish music sessions are open to all musicians, regardless of their level or instrument, in the pure tradition of pub sessions. These sessions are guided by the musicians of Paddy's Friends.
• Slow Sessions: Learning sessions for the Irish repertoire (reels, jigs, polkas) are offered for beginner and intermediate musicians, allowing them to discover traditional tunes at a reduced tempo.
• Master-classes: Irish music learning workshops are offered for all levels, led by experienced musicians.
• Pub Atmosphere: The festival recreates a true Irish pub atmosphere, with a beer bar (including the famous Guinness), darts tournaments, and Irish conviviality.

The Triple Stout Association: Irish Music Enthusiasts

The Triple Stout association, based in the Le Puy-en-Velay urban area, aims to promote traditional Irish music in Haute-Loire. Its members, grouped under the name Paddy's Friends, organize regular sessions and animate the local Celtic music scene. The Paddy's Friends group actively participates in the festival's concerts and sessions, accompanied by guest artists from the Irish trad scene. The festival also benefits from the participation of the Irish music class from the Le Puy-en-Velay conservatory.

La Maison pour tous de Chadrac: A Friendly Venue

The festival is held at the Maison pour tous de Chadrac, also known as La Couveuse, a cultural and social space located at 10, cours de la Liberté, a stone's throw from Le Puy-en-Velay. This human-sized venue offers a warm and intimate setting, perfectly suited to the friendly spirit of the festival. La Couveuse, Chadrac's social and cultural center, is a major player in local events and hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year.

Complementary Activities

Beyond music, the Samhain Festival offers activities related to Celtic culture: Celtic card readings, on-site catering with seasonal specialties, and a decorative ambiance evoking Ireland and the Samhain tradition. The festival thus offers a true Irish interlude in the heart of the volcanic Haute-Loire.