Midlands Gathering festival launched
The launch of the Midlands Gathering festival last Thursday, March 14, caused quite a stir in Moate as passers-by were stopped in their tracks by the sight of the popemoblie.
Locals were joking that the pope had arrived so soon after starting his pontificate and everyone had a great laugh, explained festival organiser Louise Coghlan. Also there to launch the programme for the upcoming festival were Raw actor Sam Keeley from Tullamore and Meteor award-winning singer Luan Parle.
The event was held in Egan’s pub and launched the details of the festival, which will run over Easter weekend from Thursday, March 28, until Easter Monday, April 1. The new festival promises to be an interactive and nostalgic experience of music, arts, culture, literature, history and entertainment.
The big event of the weekend is the 'Love Irish, Love the Midlands’ show, which will be held on Easter Sunday in Dún na Sí Heritage Centre, Moate, from 12pm until 6pm. It will include a gig rig with Picture House, Luan Parle, The Beermats and lots more set to perform. The Beermats are one of the bands who will be travelling home for the event as they spend much of their time away gigging in Switzerland and Canada.
There will also be a Celtic Village, a dedicated children’s entertainment area, a Spoken Word area, a food and craft market, exotic animals, a display of vintage vehicles and lots more. The Easter Bunny is also set to make an appearance.
Other events over the weekend of the Midlands Gathering include a festival opening party in Don’s Bar on Thursday, March 28, and 'Good Fun Friday’ with children’s art classes and film showcase. The following day the town hosts a vintage rally, cooking demonstration and flower showcase leading into the main headliner 'Love Irish, Love the Midlands’ in Dún na Sí on Easter Sunday.
Ms Coghlan explained the Midlands Gathering festival came about after a group of local people from Athlone and Moate who love festivals got together to organise the programme. It is the first time they have been involved in organising an event of this calibre and Ms Coghlan explained they took a leap of faith. She is delighted with the support, from the public and business, they have received in Moate and across the Midlands and would like to sincerely thank all involved and the hard working team. She also would like to thanks all the festival sponsors, in particular Supermac’s and Papa John’s.
For more information on the festival visit www.themidlandsgathering.com or www.facebook.com/themidlandsgatheringfestival.