MEET THE TEAM – PAUL WILLIAMS

When did you start and what do you do at the Folkie?

I am a recent arrival. I started as a bar staff volunteer a few years ago and then moved into the beer keg room where I helped to connect and manage the supply of Guiness and Kilkenny beer kegs in the Shebeen Bar. More recently, I joined one of the sub committees and assisted the Security Manager to plan and manage festival security. I am now the Risk Manager on the Committee, and I continue to assist with security.

What’s your favourite Folkie memory?

I would say that I am a fan of the total festival experience. There is a real buildup of expectation during the arena’s construction, it’s a complete community effort. The feeling of goodwill and good times during the festival, is a tangible thing.

What’s one thing people wouldn’t guess about your role?

The walking. It is three days of constant movement and its great for the step count.

What’s your go-to Folkie food or drink?

Guiness on the tap without a doubt. Then, the availability of choice for great food.

What’s a song or artist that reminds you of the Folkie?

No one song or artist, but the Shebeen sing a long is my favourite.

What’s the most rewarding part of being involved?

Knowing at the end of the Folkie that the arrangements that we put into place kept everyone safe and happy.

What’s your Folkie survival tip?

Drink water! Lots of it!

If the Folkie were a person, how would you describe them?

Eclectic. Not just a passion for a single musical style or artist, but an interest in bits of everything that is available to see and hear during Folkie in the arena, and across town.

What’s something you’ve learned from working on the festival?

The huge effort that quite a few people put in all year, to make Folkie happen.

What are you most excited about for the next Folkie?

To understand how our new ideas have contributed to an even better Folkie experience.

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