Home Sponsored Folly Festival in Cullohill is back as they continue to team up...

Folly Festival in Cullohill is back as they continue to team up with Electric Picnic organisers

Last year the first EVER gender balanced, music and cultural weekend – The Folly, was launched. Such was the success, it’s back for a second year bigger and better with the continued support from the lovely folks at Electric Picnic.

With male artists outnumbering female artists 5:1 in the entertainment industry, the mission of The Folly is to actively promote gender balance and select acts accordingly. And this year is no different.

Taking place in Cullohill over two days, 19th and 20th July, the line-up will yet again feature an equal gender balance of female and male performers.

The initiative is warmly welcomed by Electric Picnic organisers who are constantly striving to address the gender balance issue at festivals and in the music industry.

Folly fans will be treated to music in the grounds of the majestic old ruins of Cullohill Castle, from Hermitage Green, Wyvern LingoCurtis WalshAlice LynskeyVocaleseThe Finns and Sarah Buckley & Band.

And if it’s laughs you are after, look no further than the hilarious music and comedy duo The 2 Johnnies guaranteed to keep the laughs rolling with their inimitable songs capturing the unique funny side of all things Irish.

Local funny man and star of RTÉ’s Bridget and Eamon, Bernard O’Shea – from up the road in Durrow – will also be popping by over the weekend as will former Rugby International Alan Quinlan.

In addition to the musical offering, the usually quiet village of Cullohill will be abuzz with a hive of activities for all ages from early morning on Saturday, July 20th.

For the more energetic, start the day with the Guided Mountain Walk or the Adventure Race (6.5km trial run and 24km cycle!!), show off your baking skills at ‘The Great Folly Bake’, sample the delicious fare at the Artisan Food Market, bond with canine lovers at the Dog Show, lust after that car you have always wanted at the Vintage Car Exhibition or enjoy a bit of culture at the Art Exhibition.

Family fun at Nancy’s Yard in the castle grounds will provide the ultimate in afternoon entertainment (12pm-4pm) from the nerf shooting gallery, to kiddies’ ride- on tractors, face painting, nail art, bouncy castles, sandpits, Jeca the Clown while comedian/magician Brian Daly will amaze, bewitch and enthral the youngsters.

Entry will be €5 per child and includes all activities in the castle grounds.

The Folly is a family-orientated community festival run by Cullohill Community Council. All monies raised from the festival are invested into community projects.

Tickets

Weekend Tickets: €40 available now from Bergin’s Gala, Cullohill or www.thefolly.ie

There are a limited number of day tickets available online €25.

A ticket is not required to participate in the day-time events, but some events have a nominal charge.

SEE ALSO – Check out the dedicated jobs section on LaoisToday