Huge crowds expected for Mullingar's 'One Night Stand'

On Friday, three of Ireland's favourite bands including Republic of Loose, Aslan and The Coronas, will drop by the Mullingar Equestrian Centre for the premiere of Mullingar's One Night Stand music festival.Top Midlands bands such as The Aftermath, Ever27, Seven Days , Icon on Fire, and Hogan will represent the local music scene in what is set to be an annual event in the years ahead.Organised by local man Derek Irwin, who has been involved in organising street entertainment for the local St. Patrick's Day Parade over the past few years, this one day festival is gearing up to be a big hit, with FM 104's Niamh Crowley and Jim McCabe of the Strawberry Alarm Clock acting as MC for this exciting event.Located on site will be the Red Bull Wings Team, catering from Supermacs and a full bar. Shuttle buses leaving from the Westmeath Examiner offices at Blackhall Place and the Fairgreen Shopping Centre car park every 15 minutes will commence at 5.30pm.Tickets for Mullingar's One Night Stand, priced €38, are available from E2 Music, Castle Street, or from ticketmaster.ie. Doors open at 6.30pm, with a full bar til late.Depending on sales, some tickets may still be available for purchase from the venue on the night.Helium 2010Meanwhile on Saturday, July 31, that festival feeling continues with 'Helium 2010' - a micro music festival organised to raise money for the Fredreichs Ataxia Society of Ireland (FASI), in Skelly's Bar in Ballymahon.Back by popular demand after a hugely successful event in 2009, Damien Dempsey will headline the event this year along with a huge array of musicians from near and far.Like last year, the festival features camping and the now famous marquee after party featuring DJ's Badseed & Johnny Ponders late into the night.On the main stage, the likes of Arrow In The Sky, Adela & The Meanits, Clann an Drumma will be appearing, while Crimson, Eoin Glackin, Lilac Blues will play the acoustic stage.Last year they raised €4000 for FASI, this year they are hoping to double it to €8000. Tickets €25. Doors open at 6:00pm. Limited to 600 tickets.Check out the webpage www.ataxia.ie or www.helium2010.com for information on future fundraising events and the opportunity to donate online and buy tickets.