Musical celebration in store for new Ted Ponsonby space in Letterkenny - Donegal Daily

A new performance space inspired by the life and music of the late Ted Ponsonby will be officially opened in Letterkenny Town Park on Saturday, 10th October.Ted...

A new performance space inspired by the life and music of the late Ted Ponsonby will be officially opened in Letterkenny Town Park on Saturday, 10th October.

Ted, a legend of the north west music scene who passed away in 2023, dedicated his life to music and to encouraging others to pick up an instrument and perform.

The new Ted Ponsonby Arts and Performance Area will honour that legacy with a specially commissioned sculpture by Redmond Herrity to be unveiled at the official opening.

Family, friends and musicians will gather at 2pm for a celebration open to all.

There will be live music from Ted's talented daughter, Sarah Ponsonby and friends, along with My Generation, Letterkenny Busking Festival winner Michael McColgan, Don Ponsonby and The Mindbenders, and The Rednecks, the last band Ted played with. The Vestry will also be open on the day.

As the opening line-up shows, the space is intended to be a place for all generations. The area has already had a taste of live performance, having been used during Party in the Park in July.

“That’s the whole idea of this space," says Don, Ted's brother. "To give young bands and performers a chance to get up and play.

“It doesn’t have to be full bands. It could be solo artists, people doing original music, or anyone who just wants the opportunity to perform. Even a half-hour slot on a Saturday could mean a lot to someone starting out.”

The opening will be an emotional but proud day for Ted's loved ones.

"It means so much to see Ted honoured in this way," Don said.

“On behalf of the Ponsonby family, and especially Ted’s wife Maryline and daughter Sarah, we are just overwhelmed by the support.

“It will be an emotional day, of course, but it will also be a happy one. It means there will be something there to remind people of Ted, his talent and everything he gave to music in Letterkenny.”

The tribute first began with a much simpler idea. Don had originally hoped for a bench in Ted’s memory, marked simply with his name and his love of music.

Councillor Jimmy Kavanagh thought of a more lasting tribute. He brought forward a proposal to Donegal County Council to name the new part of the Bernard McGlinchey Town Park in Ted's honour, which was unanimously backed by councillors.

“The area is intended as a lasting legacy to Ted: a place that inspires musicians and artists, brings the community together to enjoy live performance and art, and keeps his spirit alive through creativity," said Cllr Kavanagh.

“More than a memorial, it will be a vibrant platform for people to develop their talents, pursue their ambitions and help the arts flourish across Letterkenny and the wider county.”

Don said the family is deeply grateful for the support of Cllr Kavanagh and all the Letterkenny-Milford MD councillors who backed the motion.

He also thanked Head Gardener David Donnelly and all the park staff for their work in preparing the performance area.

The project has been funded through Cllr Kavanagh’s Members’ Infrastructure Fund and a tribute concert held in Ted’s memory at An Grianán Theatre earlier this year, which was organised by Don and raised a fantastic €5,570 .

The funds have been invested in the centrepiece of the new space, a 6ft Kilkenny limestone guitar sculpture created in Ted’s memory.

The family would like to invite everyone who attended the fundraising concert, as well as those who donated but could not make it on the night, to come along and see what they helped make possible.

Don also paid tribute to the musicians who gave their time for the fundraising concert, as well as those who will perform at the official opening on Saturday, 10th October.

All are welcome to the launch, which will be a chance to gather, remember Ted and enjoy the music he loved.