Prior to moving to the metropolis that is Coleraine, I spent the first 10 years of my life living in the historic village of Macosquin. (I say historic because those who claim to know about these things say it originated as a 6th-century monastic settlement, which is loads of years ago).
And I look forward to going back there next month to see some of Northern Ireland's top live music acts take to the stage at the inaugural Big Marquee Weekend.
The
three-day festival, which runs from 21-23 August, will take place in a professionally-erected
marquee - complete with its own fully-equipped bar – sited in the car
park of Mary Pat’s Bar.
In brief summary, the
entertainment kicks off on the Friday with a clubland night headlined with DJ
sets from Ultra Beat and Micky Modelle, plus local support.
Saturday’s
highlight will be a Rock v Britpop battle with Bon Jovi tribute act Con Jovi
taking on Oasis look and sound-alikes, Roll With It (pictured below). Coleraine band Cellar Door are also on the bill with DJs Steady and Trigger playing rock and Britpop tunes to keep the party going.
And
the weekend is sure to end on a high on Sunday with a country music spectacular
starring singer-songwriter Ritchie Remo, popular two-piece JD Country and – in
a real coup for the promoters - Ireland’s best known Garth Brooks tribute act,
Jason Hughes. A country DJ will also be
there to entertain the crowd between the live performances.
As it happens, one of the driving forces behind the event - alongside Robert Todd and Hughie Hamilton - is my oldest friend Drew Hutchinson (aka DJ Steady).
“The
sight of customers swaying in Mary Pat’s is not unusual on an average weekend
evening,” he told me.
“But
the image of many hundreds of people in the car park gyrating to the beat of
high quality live music will be a new one.
“More
seriously, I am thrilled at the line-up we have managed to put together over
the three days of the festival. There
really is something in there for all musical tastes and, having spoken to all
of the artists, I know that they are looking forward to putting on a great
show.
“I
am not aware of an event like this being staged in the Triangle area before. Tickets are selling very well with enquiries
coming from both sides of the border and also from across the water after we
posted the details on social media.
“With
only a few weeks to go, I would encourage anyone interested in coming along to
buy their tickets now because I am confident we will sell out.”
Day
tickets are priced at £10 for Friday and £12 for Saturday and Sunday. A two-ticket is also available priced at
£20.
Tickets
can be purchased from Mary Pat’s Bar, Romaya Hair Sanctuary in Coleraine or by
calling Tel: 028 7034 4659.
Let me know if you're coming so we can clink glasses.
