Four fantastic nights of musical entertainment in Longford at the famous Marquee in Drumlish

The 2024 Marquee in Drumlish Festival is looking to enhance its reputation as the most fun filled music gathering in the midlands.

This annual event attracts music lovers to the thrilling gathering from August 9-12.

This year's shindig promises to be bigger and better than ever before, with fantastic nights of musical entertainment in store and many musical talents making their return to the stages in Drumlish.

“It's going well, the site works are underway as we speak,” Ciarán Lennon of The Marquee of Drumlish Festival organising committee told the Leader as the final preparations are being undertaken.

PICTURES | Longford music lovers savour magic sounds of Marquee in Drumlish Festival

Those preparations are to make sure that the return visitors will find something new in Drumlish: “We are extending the site where the Marquee Festival happens.

“Every year we strive to build on the previous year. There are limits to what a community, voluntary festival can do, but we have always strived to set the bar a bit higher every year.

“ There are other events and festival out there, but The Marquee of Drumlish Festival is well supported because we continue to deliver year on year,” Ciarán said.

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The music line up is the main draw for the Festival. Allie Sherlock, Highstool Prophets, Ruaile Buaile, Jimmy Buckley, Derek Ryan, Qween, Chasing Abbey, Cronin, Nathan Carter and of course Declan Nerney.

The four day family festival in the heart of the Midlands caters for all tastes, young and old alike with a feast of music, fun and events for all the family in the County Longford village.

“It has broad appeal, we have a good few music genres. The festival is now for the top class country music, but we really do cater for a wide audience, young and old.”

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Ensuring that continued success of the Festival is the remit of a dedicated band: “There is a core committee of about 10 volunteers.

“Other people who come on board as the event gets closer. There are a massive amount of volunteers over the weekend, from bar staff to stewards.

“A lot of people from the community and voluntary groups in Drumlish and Ballinamuck are involved over he weekend.”

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The beneficiaries of the voluntary work are all local: “Father Manning Gaels have been hosting the event since 2011. The main profits go to the club, but other voluntary groups involved also get donations.

“It's massive for Longford. Events like this and others that happen across the county bring a real buzz to Longford.

“One of the big stumbling blocks to the development is the lack of accommodation. It's great for the community and of course in building community spirit.”

The Marquee in Drumlish Festival will run from Friday, August 9 to Monday, August 12.

CAPTION: Ensuring the success of the Festival is down to a dedicated band: Stephen McDermott, Michael Mulleady, David Cassidy, Seamus Gallagher, Derek McKeon, Brian Duffy, Lorraine Corrigan, Veronica Corrigan, Kathleen Brady, Pauline Corr, Betty Creegan. Picture: Shelley Corcoran