UP IN THE AIR Sean Davoust from Mulranny competeing in the 'Battle for the Lake in 2018. The festival in Achill returns after a Covid hiatus this weekend. Pic: Michael Mc Laughlin
Anton McNulty
THE annual kitesurfing festival, ‘Battle of the Lake’ returns to Achill this weekend with some of the world’s best kitesurfers set to show off their skills on Keel lake.
The weekend festival, which runs from September 30 until October 2, returns for the first time since 2019 following the Covid forced hiatus.
The eleventh edition of the Battle of the Lake is themed ‘The Enchanted Forest’ and as well as lots of water sports on Keel lake, a festival of music will take place on Friday and Saturday night in The Valley House.
Some of the world’s best kitesurfers will be taking part in this weekends competition on Keel Lake including the current world champion, Mitu Monteiro from Cape Verde as well as Charles Brodel from France and Max Tullet, a 13 year old from England regarded as a prodigy in the sport.
Best in Ireland
Francois Colussi of Pure Magic, who are the organisers of the event, said that they are delighted to be back after three years and described the Battle of the Lakes as a mini Electric Picnic and the best watersport festival in Ireland.
“The Battle of the Lake has become an international rendezvous where all the best pro and amateur riders are heading towards to find the wind and wave and also the storms.
“We have not done anything for three years and we are extremely excited to make this pilgrimage agains.
“There are windsurfers, kitesurfers, paddleboarders, surfers and we will be based around Keel Lake and Keel beach. There is a load of different fringe events during the day with food and music followed by a mini Electric Picnic in the Valley House and its ‘enchanted forest’,” he said.
The Enchanted Forest music festival in The Valley House will take place over two nights with two stages consisting of local and international artists. Among the local artists who will be performing are Graham Sweeney, Seán Swift, the Galway Street Club and Aindrias De Staic and the Lathikos.
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Tickets for the Battle of the Lake are currently on sale on www.eventbrite.ie.
