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Back in the 1970s Roly Daniels released a novelty song called Ireland’s Going All Western, a number serenading the explosion of country music around the island of Ireland.
The sentiment captured the mood of the decade when country and western, as it was generally referred to at the time, set the heather blazing and put down deep roots – from which the genre still draws support and sustenance to this day.
The summer country festivals have blossomed in recent years and the Cut Loose Fest (at Holycross Ballycahill GAA grounds near Thurles in Co Tipperary) has been the leading pioneer in what has become a huge social occasion in various parts of the country.
While the Liam McCarthy or Sam Maguire Cups will not be heading to Tipperary this year (despite some brave displays by both the senior hurling and football teams), it looks fairly certain that the annual Cut Loose Country Fest on Sunday week, 15 July, will be right there at the top when it comes to the outdoor country music scene.
A central location, attention to detail and a fine marketing strategy all combine to put the Holycross event at the top of the league. The Trip to Tipp has become part of the social calendar for thousands of country music fans.
Family friendly
This is the seventh year of the festival, which attracts loyal clientele year after year. It is very much a family friendly occasion and a wonderful atmosphere in the pleasant surroundings of historic Holycross.
The headline act this year is Nathan Carter, whose star has soared to amazing heights over the last three years. They say in all genres of showbusiness that it takes just one song to change an entire career and Wagon Wheel was the trump card for Nathan.
Back in April I met up with Nathan when he was spending a few days on vacation in Torremolinos, Spain, taking time out from a hectic schedule. He cited Holycross as a place he loves to visit and was looking forward to the big summer show.
“The Cut Loose Fest is a proven winner. They come from all over to this lovely spot in Tipperary. You can feel the buzz even heading into the place. The people are brilliant, the welcome is truly special and I absolutely love performing there,” said Nathan.
Derek Ryan, who continues to pen some fine songs, has established his own major following in the last few years.
The Carlow man blends a fine selection of new songs and traditional standards that will appeal to all ages at this gala event.
Jimmy Buckley, who hails from Doon close to the Limerick-Tipperary border, has been a regular at the Cut Loose Fest since its inception, while Kildare native Michael English, who resides in Portlaoise, will make the short journey down the motorway to entertain the folks with some of his best-known songs including Locklin’s Bar, The Tuam Beat, High Five for Long Island and The Nearest to Perfect.
Louise Morrissey will be right at home in Holycross and the Bansha native will have a busy afternoon not only on the stage, but meeting friends and neighbours and talking about music, farming and horse racing.
Cliona Hagan from Tyrone, who has been cutting quite a dash in the last year and whose brand new album came out in recent days, completes the lineup for the 2018 celebrations down Tipperary way.
The marvelously talented Conquerors will once again provide the best of music for all the artists on the day.
Biggest country festival in Ireland
Michael Lowry, chief organiser, said: “The Cut Loose festival is the biggest country festival in Ireland and we are working hard to ensure we meet the high expectations of our country music fans. Our prime focus is to deliver a superb lineup.
“Children under 12 attend free once accompanied by an adult which, in addition to free parking, represents excellent value for money.
The festival is a fantastic addition to the Tipperary tourism and entertainment diary, becoming an annual date in the calendar.”
Tickets, priced at just €20 plus booking fee, are available online at tickets.ie and at all SuperValu and Centra Stores nationwide. There is ample, free car parking and also a large dancefloor, plenty of seating, and full bar and food services.
The Cut Loose Festival runs from 1pm to 7pm. Gates open at noon. The committee will also have a big screen in operation to cater for GAA fans who would like to keep an eye on the big games taking place on the day.
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