Five years down the road from the inaugural event, Holycross now leads the way and has become a central player on the summer season of outdoor festivals.

Last July saw 8,000 people flock to the village, making it the biggest festival of its kind in the country. A dedicated committee, excellent organisation and good marketing are all at the heart of the success of this special day in Tipperary.

The lineup on Sunday features Nathan Carter, Derek Ryan, Philomena Begley, Michael English, Louise Morrissey and Cliona Hagan. The six-hour show gets underway at 1pm and the place will be buzzing from then until the wrap-up around 7pm.

Great begginings

Thousands have flocked to Holycross since the festival made its debut. Just a few short years ago, the Cut Loose festival became a pioneering venture, and a number of other similar-style festivals have since mushroomed in parts of the country.

Nathan Carter returns by popular demand and this will be his first major gig since the recent RTÉ documentary showcased his trip to Nashville and took a behind-the-scenes look at how he has taken a shine to Music City USA. The trip to Tipperary is only a short journey down the road for Portlaoise-based Michael English and Carlow native Derek Ryan, both of whom are flat-out with dates around the country throughout the summer. Louise Morrissey will, as usual, be flying the Tipperary flag on the day.

Bringing a flavour of the Ulster region to the big day in Holycross will be Ireland’s queen of country music, Philomena Begley, and fast-rising young star, Cliona Hagan. The two ladies are from Tyrone, generally regarded as the heart of country music on the island of Ireland.

Festival director, Michael Lowry, says patrons are in for another excellent show in Holycross this Sunday.

“The Cut Loose country day has become part of the July social calendar, and has a very loyal and dedicated support base at this stage. People make their way here from so many parts of the country.

“They enjoy the special atmosphere of the day, the warm welcome and the great hospitality extended to them in Tipperary by the Holycross-Ballycahill GAA Club, and all that are part of the organising team. The garda support is also much appreciated by the committee.

“The local radio stations and newspapers are all very supportive of our venture, and this has contributed enormously to the success of the big day in Holycross,” added Michael.

A large dancefloor will facilitate those that wish to dance to the performances. Concert-goers will enjoy easy access to and from the festival venue, in addition to a host of food and beverage services and ample parking on-site. Tickets are priced at just €20.

So why not join the crowd, ‘cut loose’ and enjoy a mid-summer treat this Sunday, 16 July, at Holycross, just a few miles from Thurles, where they will all be keeping it country in style. CL