An estimated 25,000 music lovers packed the streets of Sligo over the Halloween weekend as the Sligo Live festival generated €3.6 million for the local economy.
There was a fleadh-like atmosphere in Sligo throughout the six- day event as 155 artists and entertainers on the official programme were joined by several local traditional musicians for a range of impromptu pub sessions.
The highlights of the festival were the sell-out concerts by Buena Vista Social Club, Alabama 3, Duke Special and Sligo group Dervish.
Festival organisers, comprising a team of 150 local volunteers, said yesterday they were already planning Sligo Live 2008.
"We're looking forward to having an even bigger event next year," said festival producer Rory O'Connor .
South Sligo is steeped in the musical tradition of such legendary fiddlers as Michael Coleman, James Morrison and Paddy Killoran, and over the weekend workshops were held to underline that tradition.
Street entertainment in the town's shopping centres was provided by buskers, jugglers and set dancers, while the programme also included laughter yoga and an air fiddle competition.
The organisers said the combined attractions of international acts such as the Buena Vista Social Club and local traditional musicians were the key to the festival's success.
Shane Mitchell of Dervish, artistic producer of the festival, said that after just three years Sligo Live had gained a reputation with musicians from all over the world and was being compared favourably with big international festivals.
"We are quietly building our own fleadh-like event in Sligo which will be the best out there. I am also delighted with the attention Sligo Live has drawn to the area."
It was estimated that 1,500 festival-goers visited the grave of WB Yeats in Drumcliffe churchyard over the weekend.
