Farmfest at Causey for Uganda hospital
Farmfest, an annual boutique music and comedy festival, takes place at Causey Farm in Fordstown on Saturday 28th June.
Four stages host a huge variety of acts, with comedians, céilí, choirs, acoustic sessions, DJ and live bands performing around the farm. New additions this year include Yoga, a traditional Irish tea party, and African drumming – this will all contribute to the festival atmosphere. Organised by Una Murtagh and family, all funds go to Kitovu Hospital, Uganda, to support the continuation of the children’s Nutrition Unit.
A large bonfire will form the centrepiece of the farmyard, and four barns off this main yard will be filled with an eclectic range of entertainment all night.
Sharp-witted comedians Paul Marsh, Willa White, Chris Kent and Steve Bennett will kick-off the evening in the Hayshed. The Comedy Stage is always a Farmfest highlight, and this year will be no exception.
Various bands will be performing on the Rock Stage, including local talent The Mallen Brothers, rising stars Ana Gog (recently heard on RTE 1 Arena) and Rockabilly favourites The Boss Hogs.
Set-dancers can kick up their heels to the sound of Davy Céilí Band in the old stone barn - the perfect venue for a Connemara Set. Also performing is Tara Ladies Choir, who recently competed in the Navan Choral Festival, as well as the very talented Virginia Gospel Choir – the choral harmonies will provide a delightful contrast to the rock stage.
Later on entertainment will be provided by local singer-songwriter Mike Cole, and to finish off the night, visitors can groove the night away to DJ Woodsy.
Úna previously worked as a paediatric doctor for six months in Kitovu Hospital in Uganda. The hospital is constantly under pressure to provide services and medicine to the sick children and often have four children to a bed. Many die from malaria and malnutrition, diseases which are preventable and treatable here in Ireland. Una was particularly impressed by the work of the Nutrition Unit which treats malnourished children and also educates the families about affordable wholesome diets, so that even after they leave hospital the children remain well. This Nutrition Unit lost its corporate sponsorship during the recession, and Farmfest is now the principal source of income to the ongoing operational costs of the Unit. In the last 5 years, Farmfest has raised over €40,000, and the organisers hope that this year’s festival will continue to be as successful as previous years.
Farmfest promises to be highly entertaining with many acts giving their time and talents for an excellent cause. It is all indoors, so the weather doesn't matter and tickets are €20 and can be purchased on the night. A gourmet BBQ and soft drinks are available for purchase on site, however other drinks are BYO. The organisers request no glass bottles.
Gates open at 7.30pm, with the comedy acts and Drumming workshop starting the show at 8pm. For more information see facebook: Farmfestfest or contact Causey Farm on katie@causey.ie