The Mummers’ Join project returns to Leitrim this Christmas

The Mummers’ Join project returns to Leitrim this Christmas led by artists Edwina Guckian, Fionnuala Maxwell and Brian Mostyn.

After its huge success last year, Leitrim Heritage Office have once again supported the project and this December they aim to form Mumming groups in as many towns across Leitrim as possible.

Anyone can be a mummer! You don’t have to be a professional singer, musician, dancer etc. everyone can take part. All ages, all nationalities, everyone is welcome.

It’s all about dressing in disguise and picking 1 day (or more if you wish) across Christmas to gather the group together and visit a few homes in your area.

The group can perform a Christmas carol or a dance, tune, poem, story or whatever you want on their doorstep. It’s about bringing good luck and joy to the people you call to for the new year ahead.

LOCATIONS:

7-9pm

• Mohill Library 4th December
• Dromahair GAA hall 4th December
• Ballroom of Romance Glenfarne 5th December
• Mayflower Drumshanbo 6th December
• Courthouse Drumkeeran 7th December
• St. Mary's Hall Carrick-on-Shannon 11th December

To book your place at these workshops email [email protected]

Throughout Christmas there will be groups of Mummers heading out in each locality that everyone is welcome to join. These locations, dates and times will be posted on www.sowingtheseedproject. com closer to the time.

Alongside this Edwina, Fionnuala and Brian are visiting all 7 secondary schools in the county and have created a downloadable programme for primary schools nationwide on 'How To Be A Mummer".

This features tips on how to make a Mummers' costume, tutorials in music, song and dance and much more. It can be accessed through the website.

Come the first week in January when all the groups have finished mumming we’ll be organising The Mummers' Parade in Manorhamilton followed by The Mummers’ Ball - a big party for all the mummers that took part.

We hope many of you, your families and your wider community will take part in this old folk tradition of Ireland. For those outside of Leitrim wondering if they can take part… YES! We’ll smuggle you across our border! We’d be so delighted to have you! Form your own group from your area or hop into a group that suits you in any Leitrim location.

ALL EVENTS ARE FREE - The Mummers’ Join is supported by The Heritage Council & Leitrim County Council.