There is something special about Westmeath. The warm and welcoming nature, and the easy-going and relaxed way of the people endears the county to so many. Stop off in Moate for some food and it is almost impossible not to become involved in conversation with the locals. That’s the Westmeath way.

They also know a whole lot about country music. It has been part of the culture of the region going back to the 1960s. Ray Lynam and The Hillbillies were the ultimate expression of all that is great about the music. The Moate-based combination won the hearts of a generation and still command a cherished place in the history of country music in Ireland.

The Allen family from Mount Temple have been synonymous with the genre, as well as with folk and trad with Tom (better known as TR Dallas) and Tony (one half of Foster and Allen) playing central roles in Westmeath’s love affair with country music.

The Ballymore Country Music Festival is, in many ways, a wonderful portrayal of the enduring fondness for this music in the midlands of Ireland.

Ballymore was the market leader in the outdoor country festival circuit and put down a major marker back in the late 1970s, when thousands flocked to the annual event in the village. All the big names of the era came to Ballymore and some wonderful days were had in this rural Westmeath setting.

The festival was revived a few years ago and a dedicated team of volunteers have been busy recreating the magic of this special day in Ballymore. Liam Claffey, from a family with deep roots in Moate and just across the county border in Offaly, has always been to the fore in promoting the big day in Ballymore.

This year, they have decided to move from the traditional bank holiday Monday to the Sunday, and it is all systems go for the big concert show on 6 August, starting at 1pm. Pride of place goes to the warrior himself, Brendan Shine, who has featured in every single Ballymore Festival since its inception.

The Taughmaconnell man has had a huge amount of top 20 entries in the Irish charts, going back to the days when chart entries really did mean something. He had a string of number one hits and has recorded a rake of enduring favourites, such as Where The Three Counties Meet, The Rose of Castlerea, Three Pubs in Bohola, The Lobby Song, Abbey Shrule and so many more.

Other top attractions include Derek Ryan, Mike Denver, Michael English and Robert Mizzell, who are no strangers to Ballymore in recent years. All four are featuring at several of the major outdoor festival around the country this summer. And for Louisiana native, Robert Mizzell, it will be just a hop and a skip from his home just over the way near Mullingar.

Nathan Carter may not be in Ballymore this time, but his young brother Jake is more than happy to make his debut at the festival. Monaghan native Marty Mone, who specialises in agricultural-themed songs with a driving beat, including Hit The Diff, will be rocking the audience when he takes to the stage, while Barry Kirwan from Tyrone, son of well-known county singer Dominic Kirwan, is also on the bill.

The sole female artist at the 2017 Ballymore Festival is fast-rising star, Cliona Hagan. The Tyrone lady has surged in the popularity stakes over the last two years and is assured of a very warm welcome in Ballymore on Sunday week.

With the experience garnered from over the years and the wealth of voluntary input that has been at the heart of the Ballymore Country Music Festival, the committee are gearing up for another hugely enjoyable day in the village. They are also delighted to have secured the services of such high profile artists for the 2017 show and are hoping that the switch to Sunday will prove a real winner here in the midlands. High five for Ballymore. CL

www.ballymorecountrymusicfestival.com