Ballymore country music festival on tomorrow

There’s only one place to be this bank holiday Monday if you like your country music, and that is Ballymore, where the hugely popular Ballymore Country Music Festival takes place.

The line-up comprises the top acts from the Irish country scene - and having them all appear on the one stage in the same afternoon, means there’s nothing else happening this summer to compare.

Nathan Carter is always a huge hit in Ballymore, and the 'Wagon Wheel’ singer is rolling in once more this year to thrill audiences with his charm, his great singing voice and his great talent.

Johnny Brady, Brendan Shine, Mike Denver, Robert Mizzell, Lisa McHugh, Derek Ryan, The Sheerins and Jimmy Buckley are also playing this year.

“It’s our best line-up ever,” says Michael Ryan, chairman of this year’s organising committee.

He adds that the committee is especially delighted to be welcoming back Brendan Shine, given that this is the 50th anniversary of his start in show business.

Derek Ryan and Lisa McHugh were not on last year’s line-up - but, says Mr Ryan, there was a clamour from fans to have them booked for this year, and both were delighted to make the return.

“There’s always a huge reaction to performers when they take to the stage in Ballymore: they really go all out to welcome the stars to 

Ballymore, and the audiences in turn know that they’re going to see a great performance.

Making a first-class job of the task of compering the event since it restarted two years ago after a hiatus of some decades, Eddie Rowley, of The Sunday World, is again lined up as compere of the festival in Ballymore.

The gates open at 12 noon, and there will be music all day.

That night, the party continues at The Well, Moate, with Johnny Brady providing the music.

Tickets for the festival are available online, and cost €25.75; family tickets, admitting four, are available for €80.75. Children under 14, are admitted free.

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