Lakeland Sessions liven up bank holiday weekend in Mullingar
Image 1 of 15
Some Ones Sons with the crowd behind them.Image 2 of 15
Johnny Joyce met the Wolfe Tones before their gig, and later sang on stage with them. jay g fordeImage 3 of 15
Johnny Joyce performing with the Wolfe Tones jay g fordeImage 4 of 15
Fans enjoying the gig.Image 5 of 15
Whigfield. Photos: Jayde FordeImage 6 of 15
Order of Malta and Garda at the eventImage 7 of 15
James Rochner, Daniel Nolan, Emma Caffrey, Gary Caffrey, Coner Kavanagh and Joanne Swift enjoying Gary O’BrienImage 8 of 15
Fieldsy is a popular artist in the locality.Image 9 of 15
Gary O’Brien.Image 10 of 15
Some One’s Sons.Image 11 of 15
The Wolfe Tones were the headline act on Sunday evening.Image 12 of 15
Getting into the festival mood.Image 13 of 15
Getting into the festival mood.Image 14 of 15
Liz Murphy and Lydia Rafferty from Mullingar on stage with Baby D.Image 15 of 15
Rednex.By Jayde Forde
The Lakeland Sessions Festival brought an incredible atmosphere to Mullingar over August bank holiday weekend, marking a highlight of the season. The legendary Wolfe Tones headlined the event, taking the stage at Blackhall car park on Sunday. Celebrating their 60th anniversary tour, the Wolfe Tones delivered a memorable performance, supported by talented acts such as Gary O’Brien, Fieldsy, Some Ones Sons, and George Murphy and The Rising Sons.
The Wolfe Tones remarked: "Mullingar has been one of our favourite places throughout the years." Regarding their 60th anniversary and final tour, they said: "It’s a little bittersweet, but nonetheless, it must come to an end sometime."
Johnny Joyce, a singer boy from Mullingar who is admirer and fan of The Wolfe Tones, was delighted to meet the band at their dressing rooms before there show. Johnny also took to stage with the band to sing the last song of the night Celtic Symphony, making his dream come true.
The festival lineup featured a diverse array of artists, ensuring a broad appeal. Fans of ‘90s music were treated to performances by FIVE, Whigfield, Rednex, Smash Hits, Baby D, and DJ Sarge on Saturday. This nostalgic lineup catered to a wide audience, drawing music enthusiasts from different generations.
One attendee remarked "What a brilliant show, Rednex really were the highlight of the night! Great set up and well done to all involved." Others agreed that "Rednex totally stole the show".
Attendees praised the people and organisers involved on a great set up – "it was brilliant and a great set-up from the bar to all the toilets to the outdoor stage". Derek Irwin and Philip McKeown from The Lakeland Sessions had meticulously planned the event to attract both young and older audiences. "The Wolfe Tones, once considered to appeal mainly to an older demographic, now attract fans across all age groups, including teens and seniors," said Mr McKeown. "My parents, who are in their 80s, attended on Sunday."
Following the success of the Fleadh Cheoil in Mullingar for the previous two years, which brought significant benefits to the town and its local businesses, the Lakeland Sessions Festival aimed to continue that through live music. The festival provided a platform for outstanding musical performances and an opportunity for people to experience the vibrancy of Mullingar’s cultural scene.
Local band Some Ones Sons also performed, sharing their busy schedule with many gigs, including the Fleadh Cheoil and Electric Picnic. They also hinted at another Mullingar gig in the works. Killucan based Fieldsy took to the stage earlier in the day, saying, "Supporting the Wolfe Tones is huge, like checking it off a bucket list."