Liam Claffey, Promotor, Ray Quinn, Future Ticketing and Shane Kelly, Ruaile Buaile when they attended the launch of Beat On The Peat (West Offaly Music Festival) in the Bridge House Hotel’s Millennium Room. Photo Ger Rogers.

Details of Midlands new ‘Beat on the Peat’ music festival announced

A new music festival to takes place in the region this summer was launched recently.

'Beat on the Peat' will take place on Sunday, July 9, at Moystown GAA pitch in Belmont from from 1pm to 7pm. The event is shaping up to be a fantastic celebration of Folk, Trad and Pop music in the area.

The impressive line-up for the festival will feature headliners Ruaile Buaile, The Tumblin' Paddies and All Folk’d Up.

Secretary for Belmont GAA John Ferris said: “It was something we wanted to do for the community to bring people to the area and have an event in the GAA. We're hoping we get people from all corners of Ireland coming to it.”

The headline act, 'The Tumbling Paddies', are a young, talented, energetic six-piece band from County Fermanagh. The country-pop and folk group, have made tremendous waves across the Irish music scene over the past four years and their dynamic shows are not to be missed. They have won many awards in recent years in France, Germany the UK and Ireland and have had many hits including ‘The Way I Am’, ‘Untold Story’ and ‘Pretty Girl’ ensuring that they are selling out venues nationwide.

'Ruaile Buaile', who hail from Tullamore, are a five-piece twisted trad band. They have been bringing their energy to the masses with music ranging from upbeat old Irish favourites to unique twists on modern day classics with their version of ‘Maniac 2000’ being a firm favourite with fans.

'All Folk’d Up' will offer fans an eclectic mix of classic sounds from Irish folk and rock music traditions with their own unique and modern twist. Ciarán 'Brownie' Guinan will also perform off the back of his successful new album 'Peat Sounds' along with local band 'Rise and Shine.'

The fun is not for the adults only as admission is free for children under twelve when accompanied by an adult, with entertainment on the day including drumming workshops from Jabba Jabba Jembe, demonstrations from soccer skills pro, Dara Coyne, face painting, balloon modelling, carnival games and designated games pitches set aside for children to play.

There will be a well-stocked bar on site as well as a shop serving tea, coffee, sandwiches, soft drinks and sweets. Foodalicious catering company will have food vans on sight, serving burgers, chips, barbecued food, crepes and ice cream. Parking will be provided free of charge in an adjacent car parking area.

Funds raised from the festival will go towards a five year development plan which will lead to the building of an indoor training facility amongst other amenities for the community. The event also ties in with the GAA Club's 130th anniversary.

Tickets for the festival cost €25 and are available from willwego.com/beat-on-the-peat/. Check out Beat on the Peat on Facebook and Instagram for updates. Further enquiries may be made by emailing westoffalymusicfestival@gmail.com.