Strabane couple’s ‘unforgettable’ night during Spanish blackout

A TYRONE couple currently holidaying in Spain has described an experience at a country music event during a widespread power outage as ‘magical’, after a spotlight-lit music session was held in the dark.

Rosie and Jim McDermott, who are attending the Sizzle in the Sun country music festival in Huelva, said it was an ‘amazing experience’ to witness an impromptu performance led by Tyrone singer Cliona Hagan. The session was held without electricity due to large-scale power outages affecting both Spain and Portugal.

Despite the disruption, the Strabane couple consider themselves the lucky ones, as their vacation was not adversely affected by the outage, which has resulted in over 500 cancelled flights and left thousands of UK and Irish holidaymakers stranded in airports across the Iberian Peninsula.

Power has now been restored to households in Spain and neighbouring Portugal.

The cause of the blackout is still under investigation, though authorities have ruled out foul play or a cyber attack.

The couple praised their hotel’s response during the 12-hour blackout, which began around lunchtime on Monday and lasted until Tuesday afternoon.

“Our hotel has been fantastic and put on salads and laid out sandwiches and made sure that all the guests were cared for to the best of their ability,” Jim said.

“We were very lucky, as we are staying a few extra days, so our flights were not affected, but I know a lot of people were stuck in airports across Spain and Portugal last night.”

On the night of the blackout, Cliona Hagan, who was due to perform her usual set, instead hosted an intimate Irish music session alongside the Sheerin Family Band and other musicians. The performers used acoustic instruments and sang under a single battery-powered spotlight, creating a unique atmosphere.

Jim described the evening as ‘unforgettable’.

“I really have to praise Cliona and her team for keeping us all entertained last night; they were brilliant. It really was a magic night, and the session was magical. It was lit by a battery-powered spotlight, and all the people gathered and sang along.

“What a way to spend a power-cut.”