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Hudson Taylor.
HUDSON Taylor and Hermitage Green take to the Square stage tonight as the ticket-only concerts return after last night’s break, with gates opening at 9pm.
The Square concert arrangements have come in for much criticism from members of the public due to the issue of access to some businesses and that they are held in that part of town at all this year. Hillbillys management also expressed dissatisfaction earlier this week with the issue of access to their business.
With regard to access to businesses in The Square, the Rose of Tralee Festival said that anyone without a ticket to the concerts on tonight and Monday, seeking access to Hillbillys and Subway, can do so.
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The businesses can be accessed via the Stonehouse Restaurant/An Cearnog side of the Square. They will be accommodated at the discretion of security members, who will be flexible and relaxed within reason to the requests of the public, but only when it is safe. There is no issue with public access to No.4 On The Square and An Cearnóg.
The Festival said this has been agreed with the proprietors of both businesses and that the health and safety of those in the Square is paramount during the concerts.
The key request from festival organisers to the general public is to co-operate with the volunteers and the security personnel to ensure that everyone enjoys the festival in comfort and safety.
On Thursday a screen was erected in front of An Cearnóg pub during one of the concerts which caused anger amongst the public. The Festival said security personnel in The Square had a genuine health and safety concern which has was addressed amicably with the owner of An Cearnóg the following day.
Despite the bad weather last night, The Square saw a healthy crowd for the performances by bands, including Cry Before Dawn. The specially erected canopy kept concertgoers dry and there was a good atmosphere. Tomorrow night sees Nathan Carter take to the stage in the last of the paid-for concerts.
