Vantastival 2011 – Sunshine and Success for Louth Festival
Well over 2000 people descended on Dunany Estate in County Louth last weekend for the second annual Vantastival festival. The sun didn’t stop shining from Friday to bank holiday Monday, adding to the high spirits of festival-goers and kicking off the summer festival season in style. Campervans of all shapes and sizes travelled from far and wide to this unique celebration of campervan culture, while music fans with tents also arrived in droves.
The second outing of Vantastival was a runaway success, with attendee numbers increasing dramatically from last year and a more developed site layout and programme adding to the enjoyment of young and old alike. The family-friendly nature of the event was clearly in evidence as hundreds of children with painted faces played in the sunshine, enjoying the wide range of kids’ activities on offer. Cully and Sully’s Campervan Cook-off on Sunday drew a huge crowd as contestants raced to cook a two-course meal in their campervans, while bands such as The Cujo Family, The Hot Sprockets and Jamie Lawson performed in the arena’s three marquees.
Sponsored by Louth County Council, Vantastival presented an impressive musical line-up including Duke Special, Alabama 3 and The Frank and Walters, with the incredibly energetic Wallis Bird and The Cast of Cheers on the Main Stage being particular highlights of the weekend. Additional features at Vantastival 2011 included the late night Gramophone Disco in the woods, the Guth Gafa International Documentary Film Festival, food and craft stalls, quirky art installations and workshops presented by the colourful Wassa Wassa West African percussion drum and dance group.
