Vantastival, one of Ireland’s newest independent festivals, is returning to Dunany Estate in Co. Louth this May bank holiday weekend and Alabama 3 Acoustic and Unplugged have been added to the increasingly impressive line up. The acoustic outfit, featuring Larry Love, Aurora Dawn, Rock Freebase and Harpo Strangelove, are touring the UK this March and April, and are due to appear at Vantastival on Sunday, May 1st. Whipping Boy, The Frank and Walters, Duke Special, Wallis Bird, Jamie Lawson, The Cast of Cheers and Donal Dineen playing with Congolese guitarist Niwel Tsumbu are all on the bill for the second Vantastival festival.
Vantastival earned great praise last year for its endorsement of the Irish music scene and a huge number of up-and-coming unsigned acts are on the line-up. Some, like Miracle Bell, The Riptide Movement, The Hot Sprockets and Sounds of System Breakdown, appeared at the inaugural event last year and are making a welcome return, while a host of new acts will also perform. Sweet Jane, fresh from their appearance at SXSW in Texas, will be joined by We Cut Corners, Windings, Bipolar Empire, Bill Coleman, King Kong Club winners The Cujo Family, and many more.
Vantastival is a celebration of campervan culture and a top class music festival rolled into one. Three stages host over 70 live acts from Friday 29th April to Sunday 1st May, while a range of activities focusing on the campervan lifestyle are an interesting addition to the only festival of its kind in Ireland. The BRING YOUR OWN BEER policy and €85 weekend camping tickets make it more affordable than most music festivals in this country, and the family-friendly nature of the event is a bonus, with free entry for children under 14, a range of children's entertainment and a family camping area.
Additional features at Vantastival 2011 include the Gramophone Disco, Guth Gafa documentary film tent and an open mic stage, as well as a Campervan Cook-off, Scrapheap Challenge, food and craft stalls and a number of quirky art installations. €40 day tickets are available, with €30 weekend entry for 14-17 year olds. Campervans are welcome to park on site at no extra charge, but you don't have to have a campervan to enjoy all that's on offer and there is a dedicated tent campsite for those without vans. See www.vantastival.com for more details.
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