Val Connaughton, Sé Walshe, Ellen Costello and Cian Cunniffe performing at last year’s Moate Trad Fest. The event is being staged again this Sunday. Photo Paul Molloy.

Annual Moate Trad Fest event set to return this Sunday

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Lisa Kenaghan, Laura Carroll and Nicola Igoe pictured during the first Moate Trad Fest in June of last year.

Adrian Cusack

Published: Fri 6 Jun 2025, 1:45 PM

Last updated: Fri 6 Jun 2025, 3:52 PM

A year on from the inaugural staging of a traditional music festival in Moate, the community event is set to return to the town this Sunday, June 8.

Moate Trad Fest is organised by the Moate Town Team Events Committee. When first staged, in June 2024, it was well-attended and deemed very successful.

This Sunday's event is set to immerse the town of Moate in music and culture from 1pm onwards.

The one-day traditional music gathering on Main Street is designed to celebrate the great tradition of music and talent in Moate and its surrounding areas.

The locality is fortunate to have such a rich tradition of culture that includes many international music stars and accomplished musicians over the years.

The event will start with an U18's acoustic busking competition which will commence at 1pm and is free to enter. Participants are being asked to contact Moate Town Team on its Facebook page to register. Check in at the registration desk when you arrive for your number and spot, near the main stage.

Results of the schools' colouring competition will be announced from the 'Gig Rig', with the entries on display at the festival. In addition, there will be a magic show and free activities for young attendees. The street will be closed off for added crowd safety.

The Defence Forces Band of the Eastern Brigade, by kind permission of GOC Eastern Brigade, will perform at 1.30pm near the stage.

This will be followed by a magnificent line up on the Gig Rig between 2.30pm and 5.30pm which includes: Moate Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCE), Dancezone Stage School ‘Showcase’, Camillus Hiney and friends, Athlone CCE, Conor White, champion dancer, Folk Lure Trad Group, MC Val Connaughton, and special guest star Tony Allen, of Foster and Allen fame.

A fantastic Trad Music Pub Trail is also planned, from 6.30pm to 9.30pm, with an abundance of traditional music and talent on offer in the town's pubs.

Moate Town Team said it wished to acknowledge the support of Westmeath County Council and all of the other sponsors of Sunday's event.

"We look forward to seeing you there. Bring a friend or two!" said the Town Team.

Moate Town Team was established in 2023, as part of the Government's 'Town Centre First' initiative, and comprises various members of interest groups from the Moate area.