Breffni Bash set to give Cavan a lash!
After a lack of major events in the county town over the last few years, Cavan is making up for lost time. Hot on the heels of the success of Cavan Calling and the Boomtown Rats gig, the county town is gearing up for the Breffni Bash later this month, August 12-13.
Donal Keogan is chair of the Breffni Bash organising committee, a music festival featuring some of Ireland’s most popular live bands.
“There was no big musical festival in the town since the Fleadh, so a group of us came together to organise this. We formed a committee to get something going in the town. I’m the chairperson, Darren McGrath from Blessing’s is Secretary and Michael Mooney from the Slieve Rossa is Treasurer.
"We’re going to run it for two nights, with, the Tumbling Paddies on the Saturday with Brendan Jermyn, followed by The Whistlin’ Donkeys on the Sunday night supported by Mickey and Duxy, and a DJ on as well to warm up the crowd. The gates will open at 6pm, with the headliners taking the stage around 7:30pm," explains Donal.
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Big turnout
The local publican and business owner says “a lot of work” has gone in to organising the landmark festival event, and organisers are anticipating a big turnout.
“It’s all about trying to get the word out. We’ve done lots of work on social media and we’re expecting people to come from everywhere within 50 mile radius, with around 6,000 expected to turn out.”
Donal says tickets can be bought online, or at the gate (subject to availability), but still advises punters “to buy beforehand to avoid disappointment.”
Staging the Breffni Bash is no mean feat- both from a logistical and financial perspective.
When all is said and done- with security and insurance costs also taken into account- Donal predicts the final bill to skirt somewhere around €80,000 mark.
“There’s a lot of effort taking place behind the scenes.”
Aimed more at music fans rather than families, Donal says the Breffni Bash organisers plan to use the 2023 event a launching point for an even bigger, more inclusive event in 2024.
Big plans
“Unfortunately this event is aimed at adults with all under 18s having to be accompanied by a guardian. We hope to have a bigger family-friendly event next year, so we're planning to raise enough funds this year to be able to afford a bigger festival next year.
Already booked for 2024 are The Tumbling Paddies and Whistling Donkeys, as well as Nathan Carter, Mike Denver, One For The Road and Johnny Brady.
Tickets are €20 each and available to purchase
online at www.ticketstop.ie (search Breffni Bash).