Impressive line-up for The Pull Inn Music Festival
The Pull Inn Music Festival organiser Joe Gallagher is hoping "Aon Focal Eile" singer Richie Kavanagh will leave the crowd lost for words when he headlines the festival's Sunday night line-up on August 5 next. The festival in Pullough in West Offaly has been running for up on 35 years according to Joe, and though the recession has seen it re-organised from a week-long to a four-day festival he's certain there's something on the line-up over its four days to suit everyone. Most importantly, the festival's lack of cover charge means it's accessible to all. Not having a cover charge for the festival is very important for Joe. "It's giving something back to the people, you know, to our customers," he says, adding that it "must be the only free festival in Ireland". The Pull Inn itself has loyal regular customers, but Joe said the festival's welcome extends to all. "Come along and take part," he said, encouraging everyone to enjoy themselves at the festival. "You don't have to be a regular." Last year The Pull Inn Music Festival marked the 40th anniversary of The Pull Inn. This year Joe has planned an August Bank Holiday of family and musical entertainment that should please everyone. Beginning on Friday, August 3 Bagatelle bring their unique Irish rock sound to town. Formed in 1978, the band is perhaps best known for the song "Summer in Dublin". The band will take to the stage in Pullough at approximately 10pm, and if the weather plays ball they might even get to see what summer in Offaly looks like beforehand. On Saturday it will be the turn of hypnotist Barry Sinclair and Take Your Pick to entertain the crowd. Something tangible will be given back on the night, as all proceeds raised for a €340 jackpot will be given to the Brosna Gaels underage hurlers. On Sunday, August 5 the real family fun starts. A donkey derby is pencilled in for 4pm until 5pm, with crowd pleaser Richie Kavanagh taking over the entertainment reins from 5pm until 7pm. Free pony and cart trips will be available for children on the day too, while bumper cars and giant slides to entertain children will be set up next to The Pull Inn pub. All-Ireland Scór winners Niamh Delaney and Avril Spain will take to the stage at 7pm for half an hour, before giving way to night time entertainment from The Indians. On Monday, August 6 the family entertainment presses on, making the most of the bank holiday weekend. All-Ireland motorbike stunt finalist Ray Moran will show off his skills at 4.30pm. Following that will be a duck race on the canal from 5pm until 6pm. Pony and cart trips will once again be available for children until 8pm. Midnight Boogie will entertain from 6pm until 8pm. All-Ireland Scór winner Shane Lynam will take to the stage at 8.30pm before making way for headliner Eamonn McCann at 10pm. Last year's festival was a great success according to Joe. "Hopefully this year even though times are not what they used to be we'll have another success," he said. The festival is organised by just Joe and his family, with particular help this year from Joe's daughter Joy. More information is available ahead of the festival at The Pull Inn page on Facebook.