Published: Monday, 9th August, 2010 1:48pm

Oldcastle reviews successful Le Cheile

Pic by==: 97

The dust has settled, the marquee has been deconstructed, and the kegs are at the gate. The protective barriers that guarded the lush flower beds around Oldcastle have been collected and the road signs are being decommissioned. What remains however is the talk, the buzz, the banter, and the photos of one of the best festivals to date.

In another truly memorable weekend, Le Cheile proved once again why it is the county's premier festival. Four nights, 43 different bands, thousands of new visitors and hundreds of new friends, all thronged Oldcastle amidst one of the best run, trouble free and highly organised weekends to date.

From the low rumblings of Mick Flannery on Friday night, to the seismic growling of the Richter Collective on Saturday the crowds were conservative, yet steady. Jerry Fish played Caffreys Saturday night, to rave reviews, while the Lough In Ball Comedy Club tickled the ribs across the road in the Oldcastle House Hotel. The new stage in Creans, highlighted the best and brightest of the up and comer's, and turned up a huge future star in Izzy Quinn.

Just 17 years of age, Izzy writes all her own material and was so successful, she played two sets on the new stage, and was drafted in for Monday night, to the main stage. If you haven't heard of Izzy yet, don't worry, you soon will.

Sunday, a day of rest supposedly, was turned into a day - long session of music, comedy and banter. The day started off quietly enough, watching Meath versus Kildare, and the members of band I Phoenix, were to be spotted in Crean's with a Kildare jersey. Despite obvious fears for safety, the jersey was well respected, and the band went on to perform a triumphant set later that evening. Another huge future beckons.

Highlight of Sunday was without doubt, Noise Control, and one of the best light shows this side of Orbital. A thumping bass stack ( which, once again, blew all fuses, same as last year!) hypnotised the masses, and turned the crowd into an undulating, seething mass of rhythmic synchronisation. Tired but happy, the crowds all bounced up to the after-show party with Noise Control following up shortly afterwards. One disappointment was the curtailment of the after show party, due to mysterious phone call objections to the local constabulary. Regardless, the crowds partied on at various house parties throughout the town.

Monday is traditionally the day when the Le Cheile crew wind down after a long weekend and have a few drinks with the fans and bands. Somewhat a victim of its own success, Monday night was headlined by local favourites, the Weapons Inspectors. With a reputation as serious musicians, but in no way taking themselves seriously, the Weapons belted out a two hour set of covers ranging from Snow Patrol, to Queen, to 80s classics, all the way through to chart hits. With new guitarist Ari Fleishman, the Weapons had the crowd shouting out for more, well into the wee hours.

The Le Cheile committee were tired but satisfied after another long, crazy and hugely entertaining weekend, and the efforts of nine months planning were evident for all to see. It was a huge triumph for a festival that had no main sponsor this year, however the planning will now begin afresh for the hunt for next year's sponsor and line up. Le Cheile wishes to thank all local sponsors, too numerous to list, but without whom, the event would have been impossible to produce. Also the continued support of the Meath Arts Council and the town of Oldcastle, are paramount to ensuring the continuation of this highlight of the town's year.

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