‘Coolest little festival’ returns to Canton Casey's for weekend

The Good Folk Festival, Wednesday May 28 to Sunday June 1

What is being dubbed Mullingar’s “coolest little festival” returns to Canton Casey’s from this Wednesday, May 28, to Sunday June 1.

After its successful debut on the town’s music scene last year, the festival is back with five nights of free music, in one of Mullingar’s oldest and most popular bars, for the June bank holiday weekend.

Local musician Ben Mulligan is the brains behind the festival and his aim is to bring some of the country’s top acts to play in what is an intimate venue.

Last year’s event drew full houses every night for acts such as Peter Doran, George Murphy and County Clare’s finest Megatrad.

This year will be kicked off by Dubliner Harry Fennell, who is praised as being one of Ireland’s most captivating singer-songwriters. Harry has roots in the rural blues, old-time folk, and early jazz styles of Americana music; support on the night is from local singer with Some One’s Sons, Daniel Allen.

On Thursday night, Rónán Ó Snodaigh from Kíla takes to the stage with renowned musician and filmmaker Myles O’Reilly.

“It was after seeing them perform at the Body and Soul Festival on the main stage that I knew this was something special – I decided I would approach them about playing on a much smaller stage in Canton’s, and to my absolute delight they agreed,” says Ben.

Ronan and Myles have played numerous shows at home and abroad, showcasing their unique sound to a growing fan-base.

Support act on Thursday is by singer songwriter Samuel Olivia from Argentina, making his debut in Ireland.

“One of the highlights of last year’s festival was Mik Pyro from The Republic of Loose and he really brought the house down, so it was a no-brainer to ask him back to play on Saturday night for us,” Ben said.

Support on Saturday is by Paulie Martin and Friends

On Friday night, it’s a double headline show featuring two of the town’s most popular acts. Beat Club and Some One’s Sons.

Ben’s own band Beat Club have been packing them in upstairs at Canton’s for a few months now, and they are proving to be one of the most creative and original live acts in the country. They’re sure to bring the funk while Some One’s Sons will bring the songs and the craic. This talented group of balladeers have been wowing the crowds all across Ireland and the UK this year and are regular performers at Ireland’s biggest music festival, The Electric Picnic.

All the shows start take place in the intimate surroundings of the downstairs bar at 9pm and are free of charge.

Bank holiday Sunday is Sugar Ray Day, and the upstairs room at Canton’s will be rocking that night. So drop in any night and you are guaranteed some top class entertainment from all of the good folk on stage.