SUN SHINES ON WESTPORT FESTIVAL OF MUSIC & FOOD
15,000 music fans enjoyed a glorious weekend of sunshine, music, food and comedy at the biggest and best Westport Festival of Music & Food to date.
The third Westport Festival of Music & Food delivered a fantastic fun filled music and food extravaganza for all the family with over 70 musicians, bands, comedians and Red Bull DJs performing across six stages, an amazing food village and first class onsite camping and ‘glamping’ in a truly relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Highlights included Bryan Adams, Kool & The Gang, Sinead O’Connor, David Gray and Shane Filan’s first solo festival performance while the 2Cellos rocked the main stage on Saturday night with a symphony of rock hits including Thunderstruck, Smooth Criminal and Streets Have No Name.
Gastronomic gurus including Rachel Allen, Clodagh McKenna, Darina Allen as well as Ross Lewis (Chapter One), Derry Clarke (L’Ecrivain), Noel McMeel (Lough Erne Resort), Neven Maguire (MacNean House), Seamus Commons (Knockranny House, Westport) and Frankie Mallon (An Port Mor, Westport) prepared delicious mouth-watering dishes using locally produced, seasonal ingredients from Mayo and the surrounding areas in The Chef’s Kitchen, which will be located in the Food & Wine Magazine Village.
The RTE Radio 1 Off Air Tent was a hive of activity over the weekend. John Creedon opened the festivities with the Kilfenora Ceili Band and the Hotspot Ukes after The Clew Bay Pipe band heralded the start of the day with a rousing performance as they marched into the tent. Acoustic performances included The Barley Mob, The Young Folk and Sophie Ellis Bextor who performed songs from her new Album “Wanderlust” and an amazing cover of Jolene while Little Green Cars wowed the audience in a slot hosted by Kathryn Thomas, and Jack Lukeman absolutely rocked the tent on both nights. Oliver Callan provided the laughs with razor sharp impressions of Mayo’s finest – Enda Kenny and Michael D Higgins. Aonghus McNally from RTE’s classic show “Anything Goes” brought the house down on Sunday evening and Cathal Murray hosted a charming interview with The Divine Comedy’s Neil Hannon on Saturday. http://www.rte.ie/radio1/playlist/generic/2014/0624/626198-rte-radio-1-at-westport-festival
Local artisan food producers created special dishes for the festival using local produce including Belmont Organic Venison, Murrisk Oysters & Mackerel and Killary Fjord Shelfish. Zest Catering served Fish Popcorn & Seafood Platters while Nutritionist Fiona Moran made a delicious range of Juices & Smoothies. Nutrisnax Energy Bars, Man of Aran Fudge, Deserts, Cakes & Cup Cakes by Mayo Cakes, Simply Natural Food IceCream; Hannas Gluten Free cakes & Pancakes and Harvest Moon Humus and Salads in The Food & Wine Magazine Village.
