Glasgowbury Festival

Ash at Glasgowbury 2008, photo by Shane Kelly

From small beginings this has grown into an event which is now regarded as one of the best festivals in Ireland. It started in the summer of 2000 when some local bands and songwriters came together for a concert in aid of the Ulster Cancer Foundation charity.

This relatively small occasion organised by singer/songwriter Paddy Glasgow (hence the name and it’s pun on Glastonbury), who can’t have realised at the time how big it would become.

In 2009 there were 4 stages and thousands of people came to hear 50 quality international and local music acts perform, in a single day, in the really beautiful location of Eagle’s Rock, in a valley surrounded by the Sperrins. The event went on to win awards as the Best Family Festival and for Best Services in the annual Irish Music Awards.

While there are major headline acts preforming – in 2009 Ash were the top draw, last year it was And So I Watch You From Afar – the main plank of the event is to give a platform and an audience to new and emerging bands and artists.

As well as the music there are clowns, stilt walkers and a holistic zone offering head massages, loads of kids activities, good food outlets, clothes stalls and much more to keep all the family entertained.

The lineup for 2010 has not yet been announced – keep an eye on the website.

Location Map for Glasgowbury