Flynn is latest name for Mearescourt festival
Audiences at the 'Music at Mearescourt' four-show festival in Rathconrath this weekend will be able to mix, mingle, hang out at the bar and even dance as Covid restrictions relax.
There will be "no masks, no pods, no being herded like sheep into pens, no social distancing and you will be encouraged to get up and dance," one of the organisers has said.
The organisers have, however, resisted the temptation to increase capacity as they could have done under the new guidelines: "We have decided to keep it to a limited capacity for the safety and peace of mind of our patrons, so early booking is advised."
Those attending will have to show their digital Covid certs or proof that they have recovered from Covid in the last six months. The spokesman pointed out that 92.5% of people in Westmeath have been vaccinated.
This will be the safest event run in this country this year, he said adding: "this is the future of festivals".
The big news this week is that Flynn, the Mullingar man who has played to audiences of 40,000 and 50,000, has joined the line-up for Friday night, September 10 – pop, rock and funk night.
Saturday kicks off with the All-Ireland football final shown on an enormous screen with full backing sound – "It’ll be as good as Croke Park", the spokesman declared. Doors open at 4pm and the show finishes with the popular king of country, Robert Mizzell.
Sunday afternoon’s show starts at 1pm and features Mullingar Fleadh Cheoil group, Mick Foster, Sharon Shannon, and many more.
A special surprise guest will appear at the festival’s closing show on Sunday evening, which promises to be a blend of classical and Broadway with author and raconteur, Michael Harding as MC. Among the acts are Emmet Cahill, fresh from his sellout shows at Carnegie Hall.
"This is the first Covid-free festival in Ireland since the world changed 18 months ago," the spokesman said.
He welcomed the new legislation that is allowing the music industry to re-open and said that this will be a special occasion for bands as they are itching to get back to playing before a live and interactive audience.
Tickets are available from the Mearescourt and Mullingar Arts Centre web sites or at the arts centre.