Mike Denver gets new Roscommon Festival rocking!
Mike Denver wowing the crowds in Athleague last night.
The village of Athleague has burst into life with music, colour, and celebration this weekend as it hosts the first ever Athleague End of Summer Festival this weekend.
Running across the weekend of Friday, August 22nd to Sunday, August 24th, this brand-new festival is set to bring the perfect mix of big-name acts, family fun, and community spirit to the heart of County Roscommon.
The festival kicked off in style last night, Friday, with a night dedicated to Irish country music. Mike Denver, one of Ireland’s best-loved performers, headlined the evening with his high-energy show and chart-topping hits.
Organised by a dedicated local committee, this new festival is the inaugural Athleague End of Summer Festival – a vibrant new addition to the summer calendar in the West of Ireland. With a stellar line-up and strong community support, it’s already generating excitement across Roscommon and beyond, with visitors expected from all corners of the region.
Festival committee member, Ivan Connaughton, sharing his enthusiasm about the festival stated: “The End of Summer Festival is all about bringing people together – locals, neighbours, families, and friends. It’s a chance to celebrate what makes Athleague so special: music, hospitality, heritage, and a great community spirit. For our first year, we’re going all out, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to join in the fun.”
5 Star Fun Amusements will open from 6 p.m. on Friday, and will continue over the weekend offering entertainment for every age with bumping cars, waltzers, miami surf, game stalls, bungee trampolines, kids carousels and lots more.
Saturday night promises nostalgia and top-tier entertainment, with two phenomenal tribute acts lined up. Glory Days will bring the energy and soul of Bruce Springsteen to life, followed by The Bjorn Identity, Ireland’s premier ABBA tribute band, lighting up the stage with disco hits and crowd favourites. Entry fee is €20 with doors open at 9.30 p.m.. This is an over 18s only event.
The festival market day, also on Saturday, August 23rd, taking place from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., will showcase the very best of local craftspeople from woodcrafts to woollens, bakers to bracelets and everything in between. There will be something for every age group and taste to enjoy, all while supporting small local businesses and gifted artisans.
Following this a Children’s Heritage/Nature Treasure Hunt will take place at 3 p.m. Starting at Athleague Community Centre this will be an interesting and fun activity for accompanied children, where they can learn about their local area in a fun, informative and inquisitive way.
Family Fun Day for All Ages will take place on Sunday, August 24th. This will kick off with the Children’s Toy Tractor Run at 2.30 p.m.. This a fantastic chance for children to showcase their toy ride-on tractors/car/etc, which they can go all out decorating, in the fabulous surroundings of the newly opened Circle of Life Park. This is a fun event for young and old with face-painting and balloon artists on the day.
A Village Heritage Walk takes place at 3 p.m. starting at Athleague Community Centre. Acclaimed local author and historian Paul Connolly will lead a trip around the historic village of Athleague, bringing to life the people and places that have shaped the village as it is today. Wear comfortable shoes and bring rain gear (just in case!) 5 Star Fun Amusements will open at the earlier time of 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Sunday has a more relaxed tone with a full evening of family entertainment, community spirit, and great food. The highly acclaimed Legends of American Country Show take to the stage at 5pm. You can see and hear that real authentic Tennessee sound coupled with an authentic stage set and state-of-the-art production, that is guaranteed to transport you all the way, hand clapping and toe-tapping to Nashville and back in one night! Entry is €10 (children go free). Gates open at 4.00 pm with the BBQ being held from 4–6 p.m.. Live music with the Legends of American Country Show will be staged from 5–7 p.m..
And if all that isn’t enough to whet your appetite there will be a Chip Van & Ice-Cream Van on site throughout the weekend.
Tickets are on sale via Eventbrite. Early booking is strongly advised as demand is already high.
You can follow Athleague End of Summer Festival on Facebook for the latest news, schedules, and behind-the-scenes previews. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552368356273 Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, Athleague promises a weekend to remember.
The Athleague End of Summer Festival is a non-profit, volunteer-led event supporting local tourism, culture, and community life in County Roscommon.
Watch Mike Denver rocking the festival last night:
