New music festival for Mayo county town

A NEW music festival is coming to Castlebar.

It will take place over the August bank holiday weekend 2025 and will pay homage to past music events in the town such as the Blues Festival, Castlebar Song Contest and The Occasion at the Castle.

The proposed festival will feature three known tribute acts as headliners alongside local talent. With free admission, it aims to bring the community together, promote local businesses, and provide a platform for music enthusiasts to enjoy high-quality entertainment.

The location is to finalised, but Hoban Street car park is the proposed site.

Two well-known tribute acts, Qween (Queen) and IE/DC (AC/DC tribute), are provisionally booked and there will be other local acts, representing different genres, ensuring broad appeal and attracting a diverse audience.

With the Blues Festival feel in mind, local artists and bands will be invited to perform in the pubs on Friday and Saturday nights and votes will be taken as to which acts will appear alongside the headliners on Sunday, showcasing the town's talent. There will also be an online song contest (a nod to the old Castlebar Song Contest), where the winner will also perform on the main stage on the Sunday night.

The festival will feature local food and beverage vendors and artisan craft stalls to enhance the overall experience.