Savouring ‘the local’ for Night and Day Festival
Death Milkshake will be performing at Night and Day.
The countdown is on in earnest for this year’s Night and Day Music Festival, taking place amid the backdrop of Lough Key Forest Park, Boyle from June 27th to 29th inclusive.
This is the fourth year of the festival, which has now established itself as one of the country’s premier boutique festivals, attracting visitors from all over Ireland and overseas.
This year’s event, which is supported by Coillte and Roscommon County Council, features a stellar list of performers including Scottish singer KT Tunstall, Jose Gonzales, Paul Brady and many, many other acts over an extended four stages. Tickets are on sale on www.nightandday.ie – booking is strongly advised as tickets are selling fast.
This year is the third year of the staging of the event in Boyle. Craig Hughes, festival promoter said that they were delighted to be returning to Boyle “which is a natural amphitheatre for the scale and ambition of our festival. We are delighted with the response to the festival to date. Our campervan tickets are completely sold out and tickets are selling fast for our camping, weekend, and daily ticket options."
Dermot Beggan, Manager of Lough Key Forest and Activity Park, is encouraging concert goers to sample the many attractions the park has to offer. “While the park will be available to festival goers only that weekend, we warmly invite those present to enjoy the many attractions on site or return to savour an unforgettable visitor experience.
“Our Adventure Play Kingdom will be open throughout the festival and costs just €5 per child. Our Zipit high ropes courses, which are enjoyed by so many visitors to Lough Key will also be available. Boat trips will also be scheduled, though prior booking is advisable.
“Some of our facilities such as the Boda Borg Escape Rooms will not be open during the festival. Otherwise however, all our adventures are open throughout the summer period, so festival goers who wish to return to get the full Lough Key experience will be warmly welcomed.
“We are delighted to be associated again with the Night and Day Festival which attracts thousands of visitors, not only to Lough Key but also to Boyle. As a concert venue, Lough Key will be a buzz with great music, lots of food and drinks stalls with lots to do and see for all ages,” said Dermot.
As well as staging major national and international acts, the Night and Day Festival acts as a showcase for local music talent. This year, Wes Pollington from Ballaghaderreen, otherwise known as ‘Death Milkshake,’ returns to the festival.
This is his third time to perform at Night and Day and he is looking forward to the event. “It’s a great festival and I’m looking forward to performing there again,” said Wes.
Speaking about his stage name, Death Milkshake he said: “Well, I just liked it, it stands out.” Wes performs what is known as ‘live looping’ playing base guitar, midi drum and synthesiser. “I play both dance music and alternative rock,” he added.
He has been playing music for the past fifteen years and for three years under his current guise. As well as performing on the Saturday evening, his partner, Tuesday, will also be busy at the festival supervising the children’s area. Together the couple run the well-known Willowbrook Glamping and Hideaways business, just outside Ballaghaderreen.
Another local performer at this year’s festival will be Tricia Collins who is originally from Castlerea and performing with Meret Ester from Germany as indie folk duo, June Carousel. The duo’s sound is rooted in rich harmonies, storytelling, and a blend of acoustic textures - guitar, banjo and piano.
“I grew up playing the fiddle and was involved with Castlerea Musical Society before going on to study music in Maynooth. After finishing my studies, I moved to Germany, where I met Meret, who is originally from Bielefeld, in the heart of the Berlin folk scene.
“We are thrilled to be part of this year’s Night and Day Festival, performing on Sunday afternoon at the Electric Cave Stage. It is such a joy to be returning home to Roscommon with our newly released EP and to share the stage with so many fantastic acts. The festival is an incredible addition to the cultural life of the county right here in Roscommon,” said Tricia.
