Action-packed festival kicks off in town today
ASHBOURNE Festival kicks off today with organisers paying thanks to those who make it happen.
The 22nd Ashbourne Festival begins tonight and will be running through the next few weeks.
Volunteer and organiser Ann Rosser said: “This event would not happen without the hard work of all the volunteers and sponsors and the councils who help make it happen.”
Headline acts this year include outspoken columnist, writer and presenter Caitlin Moran who will open the festival today.
Popular presenter and judge of the Great British Sewing Bee, Esme Young will tell her story “Behind the Seams” on July 3 and singer and TV personality Aled Jones will bring his nationwide “Full Circle” tour to Ashbourne on June 29.
Another highlight for those who remember TV music show The Old Grey Whistle Test is “Whispering” Bob Harris in conversation with Colin Hall, talking about the songs that the Beatles gave away.
The ever-popular comedy night, will take place on June 28 and will be headlined by Scott Bennett with a line-up of stand-ups.
There is more music from American Highway performing American rock classics on July 5 and Irish tunes from Radio Murphy on June 30.
Latin American-inspired band Mas Y Mas will be performing at the closing Picnic in the Park on July 7.
There will be an Outdoor Shakespeare production at Offcote Grange on July 6 with the Oddsocks company performing their interpretation of Julius Caesar.
Other family entertainment includes Kev Sutherland’s Comic Art masterclass on June 29 and the Explosive Food Show on July 6.
There will be a talk on whisky and tasting with Dave Coackley on June 27 while ‘Shaping Women’s” Fashion’ will look”at the history of Ashbourne’s former Cooper’s corset factory on July 4.
Details for all the acts are already on the festival website at www.ashbournefestival.org.