Leavy and Old Stagecoach to kick off Midlands Festival

ATHBOY'S Matt Leavy and Old Stagecoach will be the opening act at next weekend's Midlands Music Festival in Mullingar after coming out on top in a 'Battle of the Bands' final in the Westmeath town.

From an entry of over 120, eight finalists from all over Ireland vyed for the opportunity to open the festival, but the combination of bluegrass, country and traditional roots music from the seven-piece band won over the judges.

Kris Kristofferson, Glen Campbell and Christy Moore are the headliners in the two day music festival taking place at Berlvedere House in Mullingar this weekend. Other acts include Steve Earle, Paul Brady, Richard Thompson, The Waterboys, Mundy, The Hillbilly All Stars, Hothouse Flowers and the Blind Boys of Alabama.

Leavy and Old Stagecoach will play the main stage on the opening day, after winning the final in The Stables in Mullingar. The frontline is made up of Matt Leavy on vocals and lead guitar, and fiddle and harmonica player Charlie Arkins, as well as Paul Leavy on acoustic guitar and vocals, Marty McDermott on bass guitar, Pat Murray from Kilskyre on drums, and Declan Aungier on keyboards.

For Leavy, it's a dream come true to be appearing alongside greats such as Kristofferson.

Last year, the band were at the first Midlands Music Festival in Ballinlough Castle, Clonmellon, and imagined what it would be like up on the stage. Now, they have a chance to find out and Leavy says it is a great tribute to the organisers to come up with the idea of giving bands a chance to join the greats.

The Midlands Music Festival is renowned as one of the best contemporary music festivals in Europe and for its relaxed atmosphere and family friendly facilities.

This year, more than just seeing some of finest international acts perform, there will be an added element of an extended kiddies area at the festival. This area will include arts and crafts, circus acrobatics, a Lambert puppet show and more to keep the little ones entertained. As with last year, under 12s go free to Midlands!

To round up the festival there will be a 'Kiddies Party' on Sunday with lots of fun party games, pinatas, face-painting, a puppet show and general festival fun! Last year, at Ballinlough Castle, Midlands was the first of its kind in Europe with a stellar line up of some of the worlds' music greats and entertainment for all the family .This years festival promises to be even better with an even more diverse mix of music, keeping the country element for which its famous, but also extending the musical reach.

Topping the bill over two days and nights will be legendary artist Christy Moore, Kris Kristofferson, Glen Campbell, Steve Earle and Paul Brady. In addition Richard Thompson, Ricky Skaggs. The Waterboys, Gillian Welch, Allison Moorer, Amee Mann, Prison Love, Leonard Cohen presents 'Anjani', The Hillbilly All Stars, Hothouse Flowers, Bray Vista, The Be Good Tanyas, Tom Russell, Blind Boys of Alabama and more.

Tickets for Midlands are available at usual outlets www.ticketmaster.ie,  or credit card hotline 0818719300. Tickets are priced at €80 per day, €150 for weekend pass and €170 for camping (includes Ticketmaster booking fee and VAT).