Last year's Billy Moran Festival (pictured) was a great success, and will be repeated in Mlebourne this long weekend.

Traditional music legend Billy Moran will being remembered instyle this coming holiday weekend in three Melbourne venues: The Quiet Man, The Corkman and the Celtic Club.

This is the second year of the festival and the success of last year’s event has encouraged the venues, Moran family and musicians to make it an annual event. Many musicians are travelling interstate to participate.

Originally from Co Galway, Billy came to Australia in 1953 to work in the Snowy Mountain scheme where he operated machines.

He later became a stalwart of Australia’s burgeoning Irish traditional music scene and a great influence on younger musicians.

Billy passed away on February 13, 2007. “He played a session two weeks before he died and he walked out with dignity,” his wife Eileen told the Irish Echo.

“Billy always played a very big part in the Irish community throughout Australia and New Zealand. Wherever he went the box went. He played at a lot of the folk festivals.

“He liked to pass his music on. He spent a lot of time with youngsters, getting them into music. He did this even more so after he retired, in the last 10 years of his life,” she said.

Having a festival in Billy’s memory was suggested by his colleagues.

“When Billy passed away it was the musicians who wanted to do something in remembrance of Billy, to keep the culture going, to draw the young ones into the music. So we are focusing on the younger generation to try and keep them going with the music,” said Eileen.

Last year’s event was a great success – Ireland’s Ambassador to Australia, Máirtín Ó Fainín, travelled from Canberra for it – and this year’s will be even bigger.

“We’re introducing a lot of workshops this year, in uilleann pipes, whistle, flute, accordion and dancing,” said Eileen.

Though Billy made his name with the accordion, he wasn’t averse to singing when the opportunity arose.

“Ah sure you know yourself, when he got pissed he’d sing an aul come-all-ye,” said Eileen with a laugh.

“My kids and myself, and probably a lot of the older musicians, still haven’t got over the loss of Billy. This is about trying to carry on what Billy started.

“All our children, Michael, Seán and Annette, are musicians too.

“Billy and so many other Irish musicians that have gone before him have left a legacy. On this weekend we remember Billy, but it’s also a remembrance of other singers, musicians and dancers,” said Eileen.

Michael Gillis of The Quiet Man pub is looking forward to the festival.

“Billy was a fine gentleman, father, husband and teacher to many.

“One thing for sure is that this weekend to celebrate Billy will not be a quiet affair.

“Billy was the nucleus of the Sunday trad session in the restaurant until his passing,” said Michael.

Billy Moran Festival Events ::

Thursday, June 10
The festival kicks off with a session from 7.30pm – 10.30pm at the Corkman Hotel in Carlton.

Friday, June 11
The Celtic Club hosts Paddy Fitzgerald and friends in a rousing trad session from 5pm – 8.30pm.

Saturday, June 12
At The Quiet Man from 3pm until late there will be a variety of local and interstate special guest artists performing alongside Joe Fitzgerald. Set dancers will also perform.

Sunday, June 13
The Quiet Man again features Joe Fitzgerald and friends with special guest musicians in the restaurant area from 3pm until closing.

Monday, June 14
The Quiet Man brings the festival to a close with a final open session from 11am.