Secret Village Festival: We’re not telling you where it’s on

Shh!! It has already been described as “the best undiscovered festival in Ireland”, though only two years old.

There’s more: “From top music acts, drumming (West African), story telling, delicious food to craft workshops, you won’t be disappointed at this incredible event.” Where? Not tellin! It’s a....secret.

This year it’s been rated in the Denny Top Ten Places to Take a #biteoutofsummer. Having attended last year’s event this (sometimes) humble reporter can say, hand on heart, it was a magical experience.

Located in a large area of allotments, abandoned over the years to nettles and mud, it has been transformed into a summer wonderland that has that distinct “wow” factor about it in abundance.

Creative imagination

Inspired by the creative imaginations of local young people and the indefatigable Niall Sheridan of nearby Spells bar, whose endless initiatives have seen many happily entertained through these recent years of austerity, the Secret Village is a summer equivalent of Santa's grotto in Lapland, but for adults and children.

The area has been described as a “beautiful outdoor natural amphitheatre hidden in the woods”, and is.....ok so....just two minutes from Ballaghaderreen’s town centre in Co Roscommon. (Only tell close friends).

Beginning at 2.30pm this weekend on both Saturday and Sunday, the Secret Village Festival there features 25 music acts on two stages (trad, soul, blues, Cajun, bluegrass, funk), with Bunoscionn, Dandy Horses, My Tribe Your Tribe, Ronan Gallagher Band, Sandy Rats, Other Breed, Ger Bro Guerilla, Bootleg Nation, Baloobas, Julie Sharkey, Austerity Dub, UNKNOWHO, Whos Nora, etc. etc. Alternative or what?

Apart from which there will be loads of food glorious food, drink, feck, girls, as well as demonstrations of blacksmithing, spinning wool, thatching, bushcraft, peg-loom weaving, earth sculpting, felting, furniture crafts, and all that kids’ stuff.

Details (for you and friends only) at Secret Village Festival on Facebook. Or call 09498-60144. Otherwise, shh! Our secret.