As part of the fair we will have an exhibition by local gramophone and phonograph expert Ben Healy, who will display some of the fascinating early phonographs, gramophones and recording accessories from his extensive collection. This will be a treat for music enthusiasts both young and old, and indeed for anyone who has an interest in the area of recording.
Sligo native Mr Healy has been adding to his collection for over forty years. He has restored many items to perfect working order. Pride of place in the exhibition will be taken up by an Edison Phonograph dating back to 1907. The Exhibition will also feature a variety of phonographs and gramophones dating back to the 1920’s and 1930’s and will include a splendid horn gramophone, table gramophones and portable gramophones. Included in the display will be a range of cylinders, accessories and a fascinating cross-section of early 78’s, including those by John McCormack, Michael Coleman and Canon Sidney McKeown.. With the resurgence of interest in the more traditional forms of recording, particularly in vinyl, the organisers are delighted that Mr. Healy will be bringing part of his collection to the Fair and will be on hand to share his expertise with visitors to the Fair.