Phoenix Festival gears up for the off

TULLAMORE"S Phoenix Festival is gearing up for another weekend spectacular and at its official launch on Monday last, Chairman of Tullamore Town Council Cllr Tommy McKeigue predicted that this year"s festivities would be the best yet. The festival takes place from July 17-19 and includes all the annual favourites that have seen the Phoenix established as one of the premier annual events in the midlands. As is now customary, the festival will conclude with a fireworks display which takes place on Sunday night at Srah Castle at around 10.45 - 11pm Once the live bands finish on the main stage, a flaming fire procession will take the crowds from O"Connor Square to Srah. Music is at the heart of the festival and this year, the focus is on bluegrass and roots music, with over 20 venues around town hosting live performers. O"Connor Square has witnessed some great free concerts down through the years. Each night over the Phoenix weekend features live outdoor entertainment on the Phoenix Stage with John Spillane the highlight at 9pm on Sunday night, while Colm Wilkinson performs in the Tullamore Court Hotel on Sunday. The popular busking festival will again take place on Sunday in High Street. A three-day Juggling Convention takes place at different locations in Tullamore, while balloonists from around Ireland will gather in Tullamore during Phoenix weekend and each evening, eagerly watch the skies for the ideal moment to take flight.