Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
IT’S FESTIVAL TIME AGAIN!!
Regular readers will know I’m currently in my element – as we continue to enjoy this most purple of purple patches with regards to Northern Irish music. It’s not my usual hyperbole either – 2018 is the year – indeed the number of quality albums from local artistes released in the last few weeks is now approaching double figures. It’s no surprise that the main music festivals in the north no longer need to rely on international talent to gather a crowd as – more so than ever – we trust that a bill of majority Northern Irish or Irish artistes will make for a decent day out.
Which isn’t to say local promoters aren’t ambitious – both Sunflowerfest and Stenhal (the ‘big two’ when it comes to local festivals) have splashed out on a few bigger names and international talent. Which is great – but the point is we barely need them at this point. Regardless – we’ve so much to look forward to this summer – as you’re about to find out if you read The Beautiful North’s guide to the best festivals in Northern Ireland! As for the bigger events, south of the border – there’s a few options. The line up for Longitude – a newish festival that basically replaced Oxegen – baffled the masses, with a lot of music fans finding the entire bill extremely unfamiliar. That said, the likes of J. Cole, Post Malone, Travis Scott and Solange all have a huge following and it promptly sold out – making us all feel very old indeed. Castlepalooza (Tullamore, 3,4,5 August) has an impressive (mostly local) dance-leaning line up and essentially takes place in a forest, while over the same weekend Indiependence (Mitchelstown, Cork) boasts a line up including Editors, Walking on Cars, Ash and Bell X1. Then there’s Electric Picnic (Co Laois, Aug 31-Sept 2), which has taken a lot of stick for it’s apparently lacklustre line up. Given it features one of the biggest acts in the world – Kendrick Lamar – alogside Massive Attack, NERD and the likes of Dua Lipa, George Ezra and St Vincent – I felt that was a little harsh. Then again, it’s never been just about the music. The remarkable art/culture/literature/food offerings make it a real bucket-list festival. Tickets are sold out but there’s always a few floating about online closer to the time….. Tubby’s Farm in Hillsborough, 27-29 July
These guys have been at this a while now and have it completely sussed. Music, all strands of culture, plenty for kids and yes – sunflowers everywhere – it really is a tiny little Glasto.
The Sugarhill Gang and Utah Saints are amongst the ‘names’ – but this one isn’t just about the music.
That said, Joshua Burnside, Dublin Ballymully Cottage Farm in Limavady, 10-11 Aug
If you do one festival in Northern Ireland this summer – this is undoubtably the one. Stendhal have absolutely nailed it the last couple of years – with a reliably on point line up, a beautifully laid out site and a truly welcoming vibe. Last year even the sun came out to play. Bliss.
Embrace and The Wailers are the most recognisable names – but the inclusion of Craig Charles Funk & Soul, Derek Ryan and – incredibly – The Ulster Orchestra have given the festival a real broad appeal. Moira Demense, 7-8 September
I’ve not been yet – but hear nothing but great things about a well curated, family friendly festival on a small but perfectly suited site.
Derry producer Ryan Vail – who’s second record (released earlier this year) is beautifully adventurous – will perform with a string quartet and a special bespoke light show on the Friday night. scuzz-rockers Fontaines DC and Derry’s Roe are amongst our best and – if you make it to the farm – unmissable. You’re also obliged to spend a little time…. exploring.
Day tickets around £30, weekend tickets go up to £90 (including camping) with various concessions available. Glamping and pre-pitched tents also available. Loads of locals – with
Portaferry’s Ryan Mc
Mullan (Ed Sheeran is a big fan), Atlantic Records signing Jealous of the
Birds, the wonderful Kitt Phillipa and North Coast prog rock titans And So I Watch You From Afar amongst the most recognisable names. And – of course – a load of non-music offerings and colourful stuff for kids.
Day tickets start at £30, weekend tickets including camping a steal at £60. Female duo Rews, Owen
Denvir, Vokxen and a bunch of other locals I hark on about all the time all play on the
Saturday – with decent
– and curious food and drink offerings also promised.
£12.50/£30 for Friday/saturday – or £35 for the weekend (there’s no camping).