There is hardly a more natural home for a country music festival in Ireland than in Monaghan Town. The inaugural event was staged in 2013 and was an instant success. So much so, that many were left wondering why it had taken so long to initiate such a natural winner.

Stars of the show that year were home country legends Big Tom and The Mainliners, who attracted thousands to The Diamond in the town, on what was a spectacular and magical occasion on a clear moonlit night. A film crew was also in town to interview and film Tom and the lads.

This year, the open-air festival features around 14 acts over the four nights and the headliners are Robert Mizzell and the Country Kings on Thursday 16 July, Derek Ryan and band on Friday 17 July, Mike Denver and band on Saturday 18 July, while Jimmy Buckley and band will be on stage on Sunday evening as many folks make their way home from the Monaghan v Donegal Ulster Football Final in Clones.

Gates open at 7.30pm from Thursday to Saturday and at 4pm on Sunday evening.

Around 13,000 people are expected to attend the four shows, which represents a huge boost to the town and district. This festival is run by a volunteer committee and all proceeds are given directly to local charities and good causes. You can sense that special sense of community involvement the moment you approach the streets leading to The Diamond. The stewarding is top class and superbly organised, while the welcome of the local people is top drawer.

A new venture this year sees the festival collaborating with Monaghan County Museum to host the first ever all-ladies concert.

This ticket only, fully seated unique event will be held on Saturday 18 July in the County Museum on Hill Street at 1pm.

The lineup includes Shauna McStravock, Patricia Maguire and Kerry Fearon, with local Monaghan-based Gloria of One Day At a Time fame topping the bill. This event is free to ticket holders and these are available from Monaghan County Museum at 00353-478-2928.

On Saturday afternoon, the festival is hosting a jiving masterclass and this will enable some folks to prepare for the big jiving contest on Sunday evening, which offers €1,000 in prizes. The winners will also have their names engraved on the Willie McKenna Memorial Cup, kindly sponsored by Seamus McKenna Car Sales, Emyvale.

The committee is also encouraging people to dress up in country-themed gear, with cash prizes for the chosen winners each evening.

With some folks travelling from the USA and Canada, the UK and around Ireland, Monaghan Town is ready to extend a truly special and warm welcome to a place where country music is a way of life.

Tickets are available from the Westenra Arms Hotel, The Diamond, Monaghan, on 00353-477-4400 at just €10 per night, or €35 for weekend tickets (all four nights), with under 12s (must be accompanied by an adult) priced at €5 per night.

Further details can be had from their website, at monaghancountrymusicfestival.com, or on their Facebook page.