Public asked to support Westport Music Festival

Music Festival can only be successful with financial support from public


Neill O’Neill
neilloneill@mayonews.ie

DESPITE serious doubt being cast over its viability earlier this year, the annual Westport Music Festival is drawing near and promises to re-create the glory days of the past when top class acts filled The Fairgreen with revellers from all over the country.
With a stellar line-up over two nights expected to once again draw massive crowds to Westport, the festival’s organising committee are appealing for financial support, as the costs of running such an event are impossible to meet without adequate donations from all concert-goers.
The two night festival will take place this year on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 July, with the stage once again in The Carrowbeg River. Having been criticised in the past for what was perceived as the poor quality of the acts, the committee have really upped the ante for 2012, but now need the public to row in behind them, in order to ensure the upcoming event is long remembered among the best Westport music festivals.
The ever-popular ‘Sawdoctors’ are headlining the opening night, and Liverpool-based tribute act ‘The Beatlez’ will be following this up on Saturday. With the event this year looking certain to cement the reputation of the festival as one of the premier events of its kind in the west, the organising committee are openly appealing for financial help in order to defray the massive costs associated with bringing such quality entertainment to the streets of Westport.
As such they are asking for a minimum donation of €5 from all attendees on both nights, hoping that this will not leave them at a loss, or jeopardise the event in the future.
An advertising campaign is also under way during the week on Sky to promote the event and encourage people to attend, though a huge turnout is expected for what is a shorter festival this time round. The committee have stated that the proceeds will enhance their ability to provide entertainment to suit all age groups.
As with every year a large number of volunteers help with stewarding, which the organising committee are very grateful for, and they ask that they can rely on your help again this year.  If you are interesting in helping out please email westportmusic@gmail.com or contact any member of the organising committee.
On Saturday night Beatlemania will take over Westport, as ‘The Beatlez’ take to the stage. To add colour and atmosphere to the town and festival on the night, the organising committee are encouraging people to dust down their old frocks and flares and come out in seventies costume, for what they hope can become a unique and memorable social event in Westport.

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