PREVIEW: Exciting lineup of events for this year’s The Folly festival in Laois
The Folly festival will return this August bank holiday weekend
Cullohill Castle will come to life on Saturday, August 1 and Sunday, August 2 for the festival which will feature a great lineup of music, food and plenty of family fun.
There will be some fantastic Irish and local talent performing over the weekend, with Kilkenny singer Robert Grace set to headline the festival.
His double-platinum smash hit 'Fake Fine' and fan-favourite 'Not OK' have attracted huge success, while 'Euphoria' has earned major support from BBC Radio 1. Robert’s popularity is soaring online as he collaborates with his father Bob and his son Lincoln on his new material.
The brilliant Fleetwood Mac tribute band, Mack Fleetwood, will perform some of the group’s most iconic tunes such as ‘Dreams’, ‘Everywhere’ and ‘The Chain.’
Ruaile Buaile and Dear Willow will also deliver some renditions of folk and trad favourites.
Borris-in-Ossory singer and musician Cliona McDonald will be keeping the show on the road as MC as a number of more acts take to the stage including Eddie Simmons, Monroe Band, Outa Diesel and many more.
There will also be some family activities and food demos across the weekend. Bestselling cookery writer, TV chef and teacher at Ballymaloe Cookery School, Rachel Allen will lead a demo on the main stage at 12pm on Saturday.
Teen chefs, Scarlett and Tamsin Allen, grandchildren of Darina Allen, will be cooking up a storm at 1pm on Saturday in Nancy’s Yard.
The winner of several Blas na hÉireann Awards and Chef Ireland Awards, Graham Herterich, or The Cupcake Bloke as he’s known, will return to The Folly too.
Taste of Laois will also be serving up delicious local produce on the castle grounds, while the Great Folly Bake Off will take place at 12pm on Saturday in the Main Castle Marquee.
There’s also a chance to learn more about local plants and food sources with a foraging walk at 3.30pm on Saturday.
Children will be enchanted by three magician shows on Saturday along with face painting, Hang Tough, rides on tractors, a sandpit and garden games.
There's even something for the furry friend in your life as the Dog Show at 2pm on Saturday will crown the best turned out dogs!
Every adult weekend ticket for €60 secures free entry for two children under 14, with day ticket options also available.
All money raised from the event is used to fund local development projects.