Ted Ponsonby Arts and Performance Area opens in Letterkenny

The new Ted Ponsonby Arts and Performance Area will be officially opened in Letterkenny Town Park on Saturday 10 October.

The performance space, created to honour the late north‑west music legend Ted Ponsonby, will feature a 6‑ft Kilkenny limestone guitar sculpture commissioned from artist Redmond Herrity. The unveiling will take place at 2 pm and is open to the public.

Live music will be provided by Ted’s daughter Sarah Ponsonby, My Generation winner Michael McColgan, Don Ponsonby and The Mindbenders, and The Rednecks – the last band Ted performed with. The Vestry will also be open for visitors.

Don Ponsonby, Ted’s brother, said the space is intended to give young bands, solo artists and anyone wishing to perform a chance to play, even for a short slot. He described the day as both emotional and proud for the family.

Councillor Jimmy Kavanagh secured council backing for the project, with Donegal County Council unanimously approving the naming of the area after Ted. Funding came from the councillor’s Members’ Infrastructure Fund and a tribute concert at An Grianán Theatre that raised €5,570.

The area, which was used for a performance during Party in the Park in July, aims to become a lasting platform for music and the arts in Letterkenny and the wider county.

Source: Donegal Daily. Photo: Jean-Paul Wettstein / Pexels.