Last year we had an amazing response to our ‘Westport Festival’ competition and this week we’re doing it all again.
We’re giving away a weekend pass for two people (you can also bring up to four children) and the competition is completely FREE to enter.
All you have to do is to answer the question – Which famous balladeer is headlining the Westport Festival on Saturday night? Send your answer to admin@donegaldaily.com and we’ll announce the winner later this week.
And what a festival awaits our winner!
The ‘Westport Festival of Music and Food’ a two-day, multi-stage, family-friendly festival is taking place in the grounds of Westport House, one of Ireland’s most beautiful historic homes and parkland estates this Saturday, 29th & Sunday, 30th June.
Head to Westport for a fantastic fun filled weekend of entertainment with music from over 50 international and Irish artists including Christy Moore, Elvis Costello & The Imposters, The Waterboys, Imelda May, Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club, The Stunning, ABC, Delorentos and Ryan Sheridan; comedy from Reginald D Hunter, Phil Jupitus, Barry Murphy and Colin Murphy with mouth-watering culinary demonstrations by top chefs Derry Clarke, Dylan McGrath, Richard Corrigan, Oliver Dunne, Kevin Dundon and Seamus Commons.
The festival has so much to offer we had to make a map!
Saturday, 29th June
Main Stage Christy Moore with Declan Sinnott, The Waterboys, Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club featuring Eliades Ochoa & Omara Portuondo, Blind Boys of Alabama, ABC, The High Kings & Red Bull Bedroom Jam Winner – Corner Boy
Marquee Stage The Grand Parade (Lisa Hannigan, Jerry Fish, Wallis Bird, Declan O’Rourke, Mundy & Gavin Glass), The Stunning, Alabama 3, Hayseed Dixie, Gavin James, Julie Feeney, New Sunset Hotel
The Roisin Dubh Stage Le Galaxie, Daithi, Tieranniesaur, Funeral Suits, Sleep Thieves, Elaine Mai, In their Thousands, The Depravations, Stephen James Band
The Comedy Tent Reginald D Hunter, Karl Spain, Bernard O’Shea, Barry Murphy, Danny Dowling and Joe Rooney.
Chefs Kitchen – Derry Clarke, Seamus Commons, Kevin Dundon
Westport House – what a setting for a festival!
Sunday, 30th June
Main Stage Elvis Costello & The Imposters, Imelda May, Squeeze, Martha Wainright, LAPD (Donal Lunny, Andy Irvine, Liam O’Flynn & Paddy Glackin), The Cabin Collective, I Draw Slow
Marquee Stage Jack Lukeman presents Jack’s Duets, Damien Dempsey, The Clew Bay Pipe Band presents “Pipe-Versity”, Ryan Sheridan, The Riptide Movement, Cry Before Dawn, Hermitage Green, The Silver Seas
The Roisin Dubh Stage Delorentos, Squarehead, Kid Karate, Not Squares, Mojo Gogo, So Cow, Dott, Doghouse, B & The Honey Boy
Comedy Tent – Colin Murphy, Joe Rooney, Phil Jupitus, Barry Murphy and Danny Dowling & Gerry Mallon
Chefs Kitchen -Dylan McGrath, Richard Corrigan & Oliver Dunn
Stage times are available on http://www.westportfestival.com/
THE ROISIN DUBH STAGE
The Róisín Dubh is a name that is synonymous with live music in the West of Ireland. Not only does the Róisín continually play host to the finest national and international artists, it also promotes events outside the venue, including the Galway Arts Festival Big Top, the Black Box, Radisson Live Lounge and the Seapoint Ballroom.
Róisín Dubh has chosen some of their favourite Irish artists, from electronic to bluegrass to rock to perform in Westport. They have provided a cross section of the enormous array of talent from the current incredibly vibrant Irish music scene including Delorentos, Le Galaxie, Squarehead, Daithi, Funeral Suits, Kid Karate, Sleep Thieves, Mojo Gogo, Elaine Mai, In Their Thousands, So Cow, Dott, The Depravations, Doghouse and Stephen James Band.
THE FOOD
The FOOD&WINE Magazine Village, hosted by Norah Casey, Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh and Tony Fenton, will bring together some of Ireland’s finest celebrity and Michelin Star chefs and restaurateurs for a series of culinary demonstrations. The line-up includes Derry Clarke, Richard Corrigan, Kevin Dundon, Oliver Dunne, Seamus Commons and Dylan McGrath, making the food element of this year’s festival bigger and better than before.
These leading chefs will team up with some of the most talented, up and coming commis chefs from catering colleges around the country including the Galway Mayo Institute of Technology. The event will not only showcase the wonderful produce the West of Ireland has to offer but will also provide culinary students from the Department of Culinary Arts in GMIT with a platform to work alongside many of their gastronomy heroes. The event is a must for all food lovers who can watch Ireland’s leading culinary professionals demonstrate excellence in their craft whilst also supporting the next generation of professional chefs.”
The culinary experts face a unique challenge as each chef has to come up with the perfect dish for one of their favourite musical inspiration; their chosen artist will decide on the day if it’s a hit or a miss! Whether you’re a budding cook or a cordon bleu culinary expert you are guaranteed to learn something from the masters in action. Some lucky diners will be invited to join the Chef’s Table where they can dine on the gourmet feasts prepared by the chefs. Michelin star chef & owner of L’Ecrivain, Derry Clarke said “There will be culinary demonstrations, challenges, discussions, tasting, and we will also have a Chef’s table, where people will be treated to a truly unique and exciting dining experience.”
A diverse selection of 29 food producers will present the most exciting and vibrant foods to suit all appetites! From traditional Spanish Paella at Paddy Paella and award winning Thai and Vietnamese Cuisine at Saba to slow roasted pulled-pork at Most Wanted Foods and a selection of delicious chicken wings at The Wing Bar. For those looking to indulge their sweet tooth, Rainbow Delight will host a large selection of top quality nuts, fudge and baklava while Choc-Amore will offer fresh, seasonal fruit smothered in melted Belgium chocolate.
PADDY PAELLA, THE WING BAR, ECO BUS CAFÉ, CHOC-AMORE, MANGO CATERING, CREPES IN THE CITY, JUST PASTA, MOST WANTED FOODS, ALFRESCO STONE BAKED PIZZA, KERALA KITCHEN, THE COFFEE BOUTIQUE, FAVARA, RISOTTO2GO, CRANKY YANKEE CORN DOGS, MEAT CURE, CANARD SOUVAGE CONFECTIONERY, MIMI’S CREPES & WAFFLES, THE WILD HOG ROAST, RAINBOW DELIGHT, THE FLYING MACHINE CAFÉ, GOLDENHILL ICE-CREAM, GALWAY CATERING, PIEMINISTER, FIRE & FOOD RESTAURANTS, O’BRIENS EVENT CATERERS, RAMBLIN’ CRAFTS, K-CHIDO MEXICANO, SABA & DRIFTWOOD COFFEE CART
FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY
The Westport Festival welcomes all ages and of course kids under 12 are allowed in for free accompanied by an adult. Monkey Shine Theatre, one of Ireland’s most exciting children’s theatre companies, will be creating a whole village full of fun and imaginative activities for young festival goers in the picturesque grounds of Westport House.
The Enchanted Oak Village will sprout up around the Old oak tree for a weekend of wonderment with a fully scheduled programme of activity start on Saturday and Sunday including…
· The Craft Tent – Children will be able to make their own wizard wand, plant a fairy garden, weave a dream catcher or create their own gnome hat.
· The Workshop Tent – kids can join a dance class, learn to juggle, play some music or take part in a play. There will be lots to watch too, puppet shows, storytelling and theatre.
· Outdoor & Walkabout Performers – Say hello to the Clown, Tea Lady, giant Birds and play silly sports day games
· Little Chill Tent – Families can rest and relax with occupation for little hands and seats for tired adults. There will also be Baby Changing Tent.
· The Performance Tent – The highlight of the weekend will be a Kid’s Cabaret! Kids will have the chance to, not just watch, but to perform at Westport Festival! Now that’s something to tell your friends.
· Installations & Un-facilitated Activities – Dig in the sand pit, Play in the mini truck mine, dress up at the tea party, enjoy the wall of sound percussion area or check out the Fairy play house, Wishing tree, Mushroom seats and Oak tree installation.
In addition, Westport House has an amazing award winning Pirate Adventure Park which includes a host of FREE activities for kids and parents too…
The Pirate Queen Swinging Ship- Not for the faint hearted, the Pirate Queen will test your head for heights – and your stomach!
Pirate Plunge Log Flume Ride – A Pirate Adventure ark favourite, the Pirates Plunge is a splash-tastic log flume water ride that guarantees to entertain (not to mention splashing the passengers).
Swan Pedaloe Boats – Families can pedal around the Westport House Lake on eight foot high Swan Pedaloe boats and enjoy views of the House, the Park, Croagh Patrick and Clew Bay. The swans are pedal propelled so it’s a fun way to get a little work out during your weekend at the Westport Festival.
Westport House Express Train Ride – You can take a short ride through the grounds and watch out for surprises around every corner. Check out the stunning views of the lake, the House, Croagh Patrick and Clew Bay.
Pirates Playground – Set adjacent to Gracy’s Bar & Cafe, The Pirates Playground offers a slide, climbing frames and rockers to entertain.
Gracy’s Bouncy Castle
Set in the Pirates Haven, Gracy’s Bouncy Castle provides ideal fun for the younger members of the family. Children will have a ball!
Take a guide Tour of the Pirate Adventure Park here http://www.westporthouse.ie/westport-house-and-pirate-adventure-park/pirate-adventure-park-video/
ACCOMMODATION
Westport Festival is situated in the very heart of Westport town which was voted Irish Times best place to live in Ireland recently. There is a wonderful selection of hotels within 200 yards of the entrance to our festival and amazing guest houses to stay close by. There is also a first class campsite located in Westport House. Check out http://destinationwestport.com for more info on hotels, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation.
CAMPING, CARAVANS & CAMPERVANS
Westport House has an established campsite with excellent facilities. With hot water in the showers and real toilets, it’ll provide the best festival camping experience you’ll have all year! Pitch your camp in this gorgeous natural environment surrounded by ancient trees with Croagh Patrick and Clew Bay in the background. It’s a camper’s dream! And you’ll only be a short walk away from all the Festival action and just a 10-minute walk from Westport town.
Onsite Facilities include: FREE hot showers, electrics (limited numbers so allocated on a first come-first served basis!), WiFi, recycling, picnic & washing up areas. Onsite bar/café with live music & food open until 11pm. Weekend Festival & Camping Tickets are on sale from the www.westporthouse.ie/shop
PAMPERING
This year we are welcoming the award winning hair stylist Dylan Bradshaw and his team to Westport. Enjoy a glass of bubbles while Dylan and his team pamper you. And have your festival photo taken with Ireland’s most famous photographer Barry McCaul at his photo booth.
DYLAN BRADSHAW HAIR SALON
Renowned stylist Dylan Bradshaw will be incorporating his pop up dry bar salon into this year’s Westport Festival. Using the revolutionary steam pods from L’Oreal, festival goers will be able to refresh their hair, and create the ultimate festival look without shampooing! The express dry bar will have the talented db nail technicians on hand to tend to your talons and along with the professional db Face makeup team you will be festival fabulous in no time!
BARRY MCCALL PHOTO BOOTH
Top Irish photographer Barry McCall will have a Photo Booth on site where festivalgoers can get capture their festival memories forever as they have their picture taken in style !
CHILDVISION
The Westport Festival of Music & Food is delighted that ChildVision, the National Education Centre for Blind Children will be their official charity partner for 2013. ChildVision will be at the Westport Festival of Music & Food in Westport House on Saturday, 29 and Sunday 30 June, to give music fans the chance to experience the buzz of the festival blindfolded, putting themselves in the shoes of someone who is visually impaired during the ‘ChildVision Blindfold Challenge’.
Festival-goers, who participate in the ChildVision Blindfold Challenge, will have to wear a blindfold and be guided around the music and food festival by a sighted partner. Each pair will be taught how to guide each other so they find out first-hand what is like to be visually impaired or blind. Blindfolds will be available from the ChildVision marquee in the Food & Wine Village.
TICKETS
Tickets for Westport Festival of Music & Food are on sale now via www.westportfestival.com with combined festival and camping tickets on sale through www.westporthouse.ie.
· Adult Day Ticket – €75.00
· Adult Weekend Ticket – €130.00
· Teen Day Ticket* – €40.00 (13-17 years old)
· Teen Weekend Ticket* x €65.00 (13-17 year olds).
NB Children under 12 are free, once accompanied by a person 18yrs or older – Limit of 2 children per adult. *Teens must be accompanied by an adult, aged 18 years or older.
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