West Fest to attract 10,000 people to Aghamore

Donal Byrne’s home village of Aghamore will be home to some 10,000 music lovers this Bank Holiday weekend.?Pic: Ray Ryan

West Fest to attract 10,000 plus to Aghamore


Michael Commins

WEST Fest, the big music event of the summer in the province, will attract in excess of 10,000 revellers to Aghamore on Saturday and Sunday, June 4 and 5. Imelda May, The Coronas, Sharon Shannon and Ryan Sheridan, four of the leading six acts that performed for USA President Obama at College Green, will be on stage at WestFest. It reflects the quality of the line-up that Donal Byrne and his team have put together for this major show in Aghamore.
A crowd of 5,000 can be accommodated each night in the big dome specially brought in for the occasion. Special traffic arrangements will be in place in the Aghamore region for the two day event.
“Gardai are taking full control of traffic and electronic signs will be in place on the N17. The camp site opened at 8am on Saturday. There will be a shuttle bus service operated by Bus Eireann from the bus stops in Knock. Taxis and buses will operate from Ballyhaunis railway station.
“The one-day parkers will use Aghamore GAA pitch and those with the two day tickets avail of the West Fest Car Park. One way traffic systems will be in operation in the locality and the gardai are overseeing those arrangements. The weather is promised good for the weekend and we’re all thrilled with that too,” says Donal Byrne, chief organiser and stage manager.
Camping will be available for those wishing to attend both nights. The event is strictly over-18’s and alcohol will be sold at the same price as in local pubs. Facilities at the festival area will include a campsite, a first-aid centre, an ATM, phone charging facilities, an off-licence (festival goers can bring their own drink, but it must remain at the campsite), secure storage lockers, shower facilities, a special area for camper vans and facilities for disabled parking (regular car and bus parking will be a short walk from the festival grounds).
The event received due recognition two weeks ago when it was listed at No 11 in the Sunday Times Guide to the 100 Best Music Festivals of the Summer. “It’s mighty to be named right up there near the very top. We’re flat our putting the final arrangements in place. We are all hoping that it will be a massive success and that it will be enjoyed by one and all. Sunday is almost completely sold out while there are still a few tickets available for Saturday. If there are any left by the weekend, they will be available at the gate” said Donal.
The first act will be on stage at 12 noon on Saturday and it will be music all the way until 2am that night. The stage times are similar for the action throughout Sunday.
The main acts on Saturday are Brush Shiels, The Big Generator, Republic of Loose and Imelda May while supports acts will The Kapitals, The R&Bs, The Stunts, Town Criers, Microlip and KeyWest. The DJ Set will be provided by the Hi Jackers.
The big dome in the village will be rocking again on Sunday when the main acts will see The Kilkennys, Bagatelle, Ryan Sheridan, The Coronas, John & Emma, and Sharon Shannon all descend on Aghamore. Support acts include The Craic, Capture, Indeed, Leaving Las Vegas and TKO. Fergal D’Arcy will provide the DJ set.
RTÉ and a number of other radio stations will be broadcasting live from Aghamore over the weekend of the festival.

Tickets to West Fest cost €60 each for a one-day pass, €100 for a two-day pass, or €120 for a two-day pass, plus camping. Limited amount of tickets still available from www.ticketmaster.ie.