Don't miss Summer Fest Athlone, a weekend of free activities and entertainment for all the family taking place on Saturday and Sunday, July 14 and 15.

Summer Fest 2012 is organised by Athlone Town Council in partnership with a committee of volunteers and promises to entertain all ages and interests in Athlone this July.

Town Clerk Hugh O'Reilly said: "Athlone Town Council is delighted to be able to support this annual festival which has proved very popular in previous years. There are a range of activities organised over the weekend which will cater for all ages. All of this entertainment is free which should prove attractive and enjoyable for all families in the Area. "

The festival kick starts with an Artisan outdoor market from 11am Saturday morning on Saturday until late afternoon at The Bawn and The Civic Square area off Church Street, Athlone. Talented street buskers promise to create an eclectic atmosphere at various locations throughout Athlone during the afternoon. Local DJ Shane McCarron will kick off his show live from the festival stage at Main Street Carpark (rear of Athlone Castle) from 8pm to 9.30pm.

"The Ginger Biscuits" a four-piece band from Athlone, is the headline act playing from 9.30pm to 11.30pm Saturday night on the festival stage. They hit the music scene in 2010 and are now well on the way to becoming established as one of the youngest and most successful live Irish covers band.

Sunday brings another day of entertainment and activities commencing with a Pike Fishing Competition (downriver) starting from Burgess Park at 10.30am A "Pot of Gold" kid's treasure hunt will take place at 1pm in Burgess Park, please note that children should be accompanied by an adult. An afternoon of Free Family Fun activities and entertainment will run from 2pm to 5pm at Burgess Park and will include; Giant Slides, Bouncing Castles, Face-Painting, Tonnta Characters & Street Performers, Rodeo Bull, Pillow Challenge, Penalty Shoot Out and Chuggy Playcentre. Bozo The Clown's Children's Magic Show will take place from 2.30pm to 3.30pm. Local Karate Club, Matsubayashi Shorinryu International Karate Club will display their skills between 3pm and 3.30pm and a selection of Family Novelty Races including Egg & Spoon, 3 Legged & Sack will be held from 3pm to 4pm. There will also be performances on the day by Athlone Pipe Band, Athlone Town Youth Marching Band, Starlight Dance Troupe and Ravens Marching Band.

Also not to be missed is a Vintage Tractor Display which will be located at Burgess Park throughout the afternoon.

Full details of times, events and locations taking place at Summer Fest Athlone 2012 can be found on www.athlone.ie/summerfest