News

This Summer will prove to be one of the most exciting to date for both residents and traders in Dungannon, with Ireland's Biggest ever Country Music Festival set for Dungannon Park on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August.

This Two Day Extravaganza will see Nashville legend 'King of Country' George Jones head the bill. In all, over 50 International, UK and Irish acts will perform on three separate stages, each stage will have its very own UTV or U105 host, George Jones, Frank Mitchell and Ken Bruce to present the array of stars to an audience that is hoped to be in excess of 10,000 people. Joining them in Dungannon will be names such as Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, Nanci Griffith, Gene Watson, Stonewall Jackson, Billy Jo Shaver, Vernon Oxford, Gretchen Peters, Clinton Gregory, Dee Reilly, Jimmy Buckley, Mike Denver, Roly Daniels, Philomena Begley, Robert Mizzell, Hugo Duncan, Louise Morrisey, Eamon McCann, Aidan Quinn and much, much more. Additional Festival attractions include Food and Drink Village, Children's Play Area and Dance Facilities.

A special preview to launch this exciting project was held last week at UTV. The Country Fest has been put together by tour promoter JW Promotions in association with UTV and Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council.

Joining the organisers and member s of the press singing stars Mike Denver, Philomena Begley, Jimmy Buckley and Robert Mizzell gave everyone a little taste of what is to come this summer. Speaking at the Launch Michael Wilson, Managing Director, UTV Television, said: "UTV is delighted to team up with JW Promotions to bring this feast of country music to Northern Ireland as an event and also to our viewers who will be able to enjoy a special programme showing highlights of the festival later in the year. The line up of international acts looks second to none and Dungannon Park looks set to be home for country music fans in August this year."

James McGarrity, JW Promotions added: "Country Music has always had a strong hold in Northern Ireland but it has taken years of planning and we are delighted to announce such a high calibre line-up. It is our aim to establish UTV Country Fest 08 as the definitive Country Festival in the UK".

Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council had an exciting year of events in 2007; this year is already taking shape in some style with the Country Fest. Mayor, Councillor Barry Monteith said "Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council are delighted to host the first UTV Country Fest at Dungannon Park. We look forward to working with JW Promotions on what we anticipate will be a major attraction for country and western music fans from all over Ireland and further afield. Dungannon Park is a gem in our crown with its picturesque lake and walkways and we are pleased to be able to promote it along with the wider South Tyrone area with such a major, international event."

Don't miss out; put the dates in your Diary, Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August at Dungannon Park, Tickets to this UTV Country Fest 08 are now available. A one day ticket is £40 or weekend pass is available for £75, children under 12 years old go free. Tickets available from Ticketmaster or Sharpe Music Dungannon.

Source: Tyrone Courier
Date: Wednesday 13 February 2008