This is a subscriber-only article
Down Wexford way they are planning well ahead for their third Southeast Country Festival, which will be staged at the Bannow-Rathangan Show Grounds at Killag on Sunday, 22 July.
Mike Denver, who tops the bill, launched the event during a recent visit to Co Wexford.
Country music has deep roots in many parts of Wexford, stretching back over the decades. Adamstown Ballroom was a top venue for country singers in times gone by, while other places like Kilmuckridge hosted many top acts too. G
orey has become home to many of the visiting country acts over the last decade.
The inaugural festival in 2016 attracted in excess of 3,000 people and the organisers are hoping to take the festival to fresh heights this year with an afternoon show that will run from 1pm to around 7pm.
“I was down here last July and we had a great time,” says Mike Denver. “There is a great love for country music in the southeast and this can be gauged by the popularity of various radio shows like Tony Kehoe’s on South East Radio in Wexford, Johnny Barry on KLR in Kilkenny and Carlow and John O’Shea on WLR. They all do a good job in promoting our music.
“I am thrilled to be invited back again and I hope the venture will receive massive support because they are such a hard-working and down-to-earth committee.”
Mike Denver.
Joining Mike and his band for the 2018 Festival are Jimmy Buckley, Gerry Guthrie, Cliona Hagan and Lee Matthews, while The Conquerors will also bring their superb musicianship to the afternoon in Killag.
Tony Kehoe from South East Radio in lending a major helping hand to the committee and he will play a central role as compere on the big day.
Matt Reville, chair of the committee, says they are looking forward to extending a warm welcome to all patrons on 22 July.
Gerry Guthrie.
“We have a good and dedicated committee in place and we are blessed with a great venue which can take care of all parking issues with relative ease.
Tickets have now gone on sale at €25 from the usual outlets and can also be booked online.
“Children under 12 go free when accompanied by a ticket-holding adult. For further details, call 089-2029 871.”
• For regular updates, check out the South East Country Music Festival web and Facebook pages
SHARING OPTIONS: