This year’s Night and Day Festival begins this Friday, May 29th continuing to Sunday, May 31st with a star-studded line-up of national and international acts on the majestic setting of Boyle’s Lough Key Forest Park.
Vast crowds are expected to visit the North Roscommon area, with as many as 5,000 music enthusiasts expected to converge over the June Bank Holiday weekend. Uniquely the festival can be accessed by boat, as well as through frequent shuttle bus and rail services from Boyle and Carrick-on-Shannon.
A boat can be moored at Lough Key’s 50-berth marina overlooking the historical castle Island and is connected to the Shannon-Erne Waterway. Users are urged to note that berths cannot be booked in advance. The marina will operate on a ‘first come, first served basis’.
Frequent shuttle bus services will run between Boyle, Carrick on Shannon and Lough Key while concert goers will be able to access regular train services both from Boyle and Carrick-on-Shannon on the Dublin to Sligo service.
Revellers travelling by car are advised to allow for plenty of time when making their journeys. Concert goers are also encouraged to use only dedicated parking areas and to follow road signage and the directions of stewards.
This year’s headline acts include The Saw Doctors, The Boomtown Rats, Hothouse Flowers, Paddy Casey, Soda Blonde, Jenny Greene as well as acclaimed international acts such as 80’s rockstars Big Country and Richard Thompson.
Friday access to the festival is priced at €80 while tickets for Saturday and Sunday performances are €110. Further information on the ticketing options for this year’s festival are available on www.nightandday.ie
Festival goers are permitted to bring alcohol into the campsite only if one is a camper. However alcohol is not permitted to be carried into main festival area is only available to purchase inside. All enclosed spaces onsite are no smoking. There will be a clearly signposted information point located close to the entrance to the festival arena.
Commenting ahead of the start of this year’s festival, Festival Promoter Craig Hughes said: “This year’s Night & Day Festival will be the biggest and best to date. We have attracted a fantastic line-up of acts across our four stages. The event offers a full festival experience that’s family friendly with lots of things to do and see on site.
“Our ticket sales have surpassed previous festivals, reflecting the varied and eclectic line-up of local, national and international acts. Once again, we’re delighted to collaborate with Roscommon County Council and Coillte in delivering the festival.”
Tourism Officer with Roscommon County Council Lisa Joy said the Night and Day Festival showcased the best of what the county had to offer visitors, complementing the many other offerings for those who are curious about the county.
“While visiting Roscommon we invite concert goers to visit some of the many other attractions our county has to offer such as Boyle Abbey, King House, Strokestown Park House, the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre and many other attractions.
“Connectivity to our many visitor attractions through our extensive rail and bus links has never been better. As a county, Roscommon has a fine tradition in music, culture and heritage, so we warmly invite concert goers to avail of the many attractions we have on offer.
“Night and Day Festival has become one of the premier independent music festivals in the county and the Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands region. We are delighted this year’s event is once again being staged in Boyle in the wonderful natural amphitheatre that is Lough Key Forest Park.
“Roscommon recently hosted the national LGMA (Local Government Members Association) Tourism Conference in Kilronan Castle which was a unique opportunity to showcase Roscommon tourism including the Night and Day festival. The Conference featured extensive discussion on the future of tourism, not just in Roscommon, with contributions from service providers and policy makers.”
As hosts again this year, Dermot Beggan, Manager of Lough Key Forest and Activity Park is encouraging concert goers to sample the many attractions the park has to offer. “Though the park will be available to festival goers only that weekend, we warmly invite those present to enjoy the many attractions on site.
“This year’s festival will be followed by the commencement of extensive renovation programme to the Park, which will not only transform the facility but also cement the venue’s reputation as one of the country’s leading Forest and Amenity Parks.
“We are delighted to be associated again with the Night and Day Festival which attracts thousands of visitors, not only to Lough Key but also to Boyle. As a concert venue, Lough Key will be a-buzz with great music, lots of food and drinks stalls and lots to do and see for all ages,” says Dermot.
“We will have kayaking tours and excursions available as activity options throughout the weekend which enjoyed by so many visitors to Lough Key. Boat trips will also be scheduled, though prior booking is advisable.”
The festival is strictly over 20s with under 14s able to attend with a parent/guardian. Festival goers can also explore the beautiful grounds and campsite at Lough Key Forest Park and avail of the on-site activities such as zip-lining courses, kayaking, boat tours and forest trails
