The biggest stars of the Irish country music scene will headline this year’s ‘Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival’ in September.
Festival organisers have confirmed that Nathan Carter, Derek Ryan, Lisa McHugh and Mike Denver will perform over two consecutive weekends; 1st and 2nd Sep and 8th and 9th September in the marquee in Lisdoonvarna.
The event, follows the storming success of last year’s first big country music weekend in the village – which saw thousands of people flock to see North Clare to see Nathan Carter and Derek Ryan.
“Tickets went on sale last week on ticketmaster.ie and already demand has been very strong. There is such a huge demand for country music in Ireland at the moment that we decided to go all out and double our event to include two big country music weekends, said Marcus White, Managing Director of the White Hotel Group.
Last year, the two stars played to a packed house on both nights, with Nathan Carter describing his gig as “epic” with Derek Ryan commenting, “Hands down, one of the best gigs of my career.”
“Getting stars like Nathan Carter and Derek Ryan to come here again and launch our festival is a huge boost for the event. This year we have also booked Lisa McHugh and Mike Denver, two of country music’s rising stars.”
“It really opens up the event to everyone; young and old, singles or couples all mixing together enjoying the music and dancing. “
“County Clare is fast becoming “the” music capital of Ireland – along with the Fleadh Cheoil, the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival has attracted the biggest names in music this year. There is no other event in Ireland that runs for 6 weeks and attracts over 80,000 people.”
“Social Media has been key in publicising these events – we have reached a global audience with enquiries coming in from the US, Africa Europe and even Africa – something we could never have imagined a few years ago, he added.
“Country Music has brought a whole new young audience to the festival – it has rejuvenated the event and has been a massive success for Lisdoonvarna. It has really put us back on the map in a big way.”
“Events like this really bring the whole community together, with everyone in the North Clare area benefitting; from hotels, restaurants to bars and shops and transport companies, Mr White added.
The Lisdoonvarna matchmaking festival which kicks off on the 2nd September with runs for five weeks until the 8th October, concluding with ‘The Outing’ LGBT festival. For more information on the festival, go to www.matchmakerireland.com