Local acts support big names at annual Le Cheile's festival

Continuing in its unique format of giving up and coming acts a stage and a chance to play at a festival, Oldcastle based arts and music festival, Le Cheile, will once again be running its now well established Acoustic Stage in Crean's bar. Based on an idea that came to fruition some three years ago, the acoustic stage will allow new acts the chance to savour the festival atmosphere and give music lovers the chance to expand on their tastes, during the whole weekend. Custom built and snugly located less than 20 metres from the Marquee stage, the acoustic stage mixes a chill-out area with custom carvings, vendor outlets, and a chance to mingle with the party crowd. This year's acoustic stage will be sponsored by Ballinlough based businessman, TD Caldwell. Included in this year's festivities will be open air markets during the weekend, located on the square, in the centre of town. A variety of arts and crafts stalls will be available on Saturday 30th July, including wood carving, archery and bow carving displays, artisan food stalls, and a host of other activities for all the family to enjoy. Coupled with this, the square will be alive with Buskers all playing varying musical styles and helping to build the atmosphere over the Le Cheile bank holiday weekend. Live art exhibitions will take place to music in the Fincourt bar over the weekend along with a host of displayed art in the Gilson Endowed School, on Church Street. This year, Le Cheile is staying true to its roots and ethos, by giving local acts the chance to shine, including local traditional Irish music act, The Farrelly Brothers. Hailing from nearby Moylagh, the Farrelly Brothers have been entertaining the crowds for years, and are firm favourites in the locality. Their relaxed and involving style of entertaining made them the natural choice to support Sharon Shannon, and should ensure great local support. Also on the bill, and hailing from the locality are Oldcastle based outfit, I am KAII, who will be supporting legends, Aslan on Saturday 30th July. Formerly known as Eskimo Kid, I am KAII have an eclectic rock style, coupled with some amazing vocals that are perfectly suited to warming up the Aslan crowd. Also on the same bill are Navan based rockers, The Whatmans. 'Fire up the Masses' is their first album, and will see the band nail down the tracks that have established them as firm crowd pleasers in their native town. Le Cheile is also proud to have Henrietta Game on the line up this year, as they continue their stellar rise to the top of the Irish music scene. With their unique sounds, electric melodies, and variety of instrumentation, Henrietta Game play support to legendary act, The Hothouse Flowers, on Sunday 31st July, in Crean's, following hot on the heels of the release of their new album, 'Black Ship'. One of the most welcome surprises of Le Cheile over the last couple of years has been seeing local girl, Izzy Quinn, go from strength to strength. Having played the main stage, and Acoustic stage last year, Izzy's singer-songwriter style has been hugely supported by Le Cheile crowds. This year, Izzy gets the honour of supporting possibly the biggest act in Ireland right now, Ryan Sheridan, on Saturday 30th July in Crean's Marquee Stage. Completing a great weekend for local talent, rock outfit The Koozies, will close out the festivities on Bank Holiday Monday, 1st August, in Crean's Marquee. Monday nights at Le Cheile have become legendary in their own right and is the night which, historically, has always been the one for the organisers and volunteers to relax and reflect on a job well done. With a lot to live up to, The Koozies promise to bring a great night of rock to bear on the crowds. Based out of Oldcastle, and hugely supported by residents of the town, this promises to be a great night with which to conclude this great weekend. Ticket prices range from €15 for Ham Sandwich, The Koozies and Ryan Sheridan, to €20 for Aslan and Duke Special, with The Hothouse Flowers show priced at €25 and Sharon Shannon at €27. As always at Le Cheile, value for money is to be had by availing of All-Day tickets for either Saturday 30th (Ryan Sheridan and Aslan) or Sunday 31st (Duke Special and Hothouse Flowers) priced at €30 and €40 respectively. Fans are advised however to book tickets well in advance and can do so by calling Fergus Govern on (086) 877 2716 or buying online at www.lecheile.com. Tickets can also be purchased at any of the venues, Crean's Bar, and Caffrey's Bar, Oldcastle, also at E2 music Navan, and Mullingar.