Return of Nenagh Castlefest
Fifth staging of popular community event
Nenagh Castlefest will make another welcome return this year with a fine lineup of music confirmed for the weekend of June 24/25.
Announced this week, Castlefest 2023 sees stellar Abba tribute act Abba-Esque back by popular demand for ‘Super Saturday’. They will be joined by Keep Her Lit and trad music throughout the day, which will be kicked off again by Nenagh Brass Band at 2pm.
Then on ‘Showband Sunday’, it's the turn of Jimmy Buckley and band including his daughter Claudia Buckley. Nenagh's Ebony showband will get proceedings underway on the Sunday with special guest Deirdre O'Connell O'Meara.
There will also be lots of stalls selling artisan food and crafts, as well as children's entertainment on both days, including the likes of face painting and a fun fair.
Supported by Tipperary Co Council, Nenagh Tidy Towns and Nenagh and District Chamber of Commerce, this will be the fifth staging of the popular community festival in the grounds of Nenagh Castle. Last year's event attracted between 700 and 800 people over the two days, despite the inclement weather.
Cllr Hughie McGrath of the festival organising committee said this year's Castlefest will feature the biggest marquee yet and this will be available if people need to seek shelter from rain. He hoped for a strong turnout again this year, emphasising that there is no admission charge for Castlefest but people are welcome to leave a donation towards the costs of running the event.
“It's great to be able to do a free community event,” Cllr McGrath said. “We're still just about able to manage to have it free again this year.
“There will be buckets around the area for donations, but I want it to be inclusive and for people to be able to wander up to the Castle Field and listen to music at no cost.”
Cllr McGrath took the opportunity to thank the festival sponsors, without whom Castlefest would not be possible. He welcomed anyone interested in having a stall at this year's festival, or in voluteering as a steward, to contact him on 087-2559323.
Castlefest will run from 2pm-9pm on Saturday, June 24, and 2pm-6pm on Sunday, June 25. Further details over the coming weeks.