Farmleigh party hits the right note

Umbrellas and pinot grigio were among the most popular items being grasped on the lawn at Farmleigh House yesterday.

Despite the soft day, about 2,500 people enjoyed an all-day concert of jazz, soul, Latin and rhythm and blues music at the State-owned house and gardens in Dublin's Phoenix Park. There were also celebrity gardening tips, an artisan and organic food market and tours of the stately home formerly owned by the Guinness family and now used to accommodate visiting heads of state. Entrance to the concert and gardening exhibition, though ticketed, was free.

Gerry Godley, director of the Improvised Music Company, agreed the weather - clammy punctuated by heavy, brief showers - was disappointing and had meant fewer than the expected 5,000 people had come along.

"Yes of course it's disappointing but the music is still wonderful and everything we could have controlled has been perfect - great food, a great setting, a wonderful experience. It's very chilled out. It's like a playground for adults."

As the heavens opened again just after 2.30pm, the umbrellas did too. John and Dolores Hopkins, from Knocklyon, Dublin, who were seated on their own fold-up chairs on the lawn, sharing a small umbrella and sipping tea and wine, said the afternoon thus far had been "very good". "I got the tickets on the internet," said Ms Hopkins. "I think a lot of people don't know about all this free stuff happening here."

Among the refreshments being served were wood-barbecued burgers and sausages, crepes, strawberries and cream, home-baked goods, coffee and various wines. In an open area behind the house an altogether gentler pace was being set by RTÉ gardener John Cushnie, as up to 10 people a time gathered around, craning to hear his careful instructions on propagating plants.

Among them Anne MacShorthall, from Fairview, Dublin, who said she had read about the propagation classes in a Saturday paper. "I went on the internet and there were no tickets left. So I said I'd come along and chance my arm.

"When I got here they let me in because so many people hadn't come - not real gardeners. I love doing things with plants and seeds. I only have a tiny garden but I love it."

The Farmleigh events continue today with a special appearance by the Ryder Cup, to mark An Bord Bia's sponsorship of that event. The food board will also be showcasing the wares of more than 45 food producers from across the country. Mr Godley said the numerous free events organised by the Office of Public Works at Farmleigh proved the decision to purchase the house "was one of the savviest made by this Government".