Stellar line-up for Gig Rig stage

A stellar line-up of music, song and dance is planned for the North Midlands credit union Gig Rig stage this year. Over 100 groups from across Ireland and around the world will take to the stage in Blackhall car park to entertain the thousands who will visit the town.

Following the official opening, which includes the Taoiseach's address, Westmeath musicians and friends will be providing the entertainment on the inaugural day. The county's seven branches of Comhaltas will each be performing throughout the week. The line-up also includes local acts such as Scór na hIarmhí, which will see a group performance from some of the GAA clubs around the county, the Mullingar Choral Society, the town band, and Irish dance schools from Westmeath.

Highlights on this year's stage will include the Blackwater Céilí band, toy show stars 'Cuckoo's Nest', the Bridge Céilí band, Nós Nua folk orchestra, Some One's Sons, and Mick Foster and friends.

Gig Rig chairperson Leona McKenna said: "There will be over a hundred acts on the Gig Rig from Monday right through to the closing Sunday."

“I would have to say that the Gig Rig will have fantastic acts, especially on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening. There will be performances from the Dartry, the Blackwater and the Bridge Céilí band, all of whom are double, if not triple All-Ireland champions. The Gig Rig is a focal point of the Fleadh Cheoil and always has been.

“We would love to see as many people take a trip down to the Gig Rig and check out the amazing musicians from Comhaltas branches around Ireland and further afield,” she said. This year’s line-up also includes international acts from Australia, Singapore, Argentina and the US.

The Gig Rig will come to a close on Sunday August 13 with the winning senior céilí band and the official handover of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann to Wexford.