One of a number of music festivals which are expected to draw thousands of people around Ireland will be held in Oldcastle this weekend. Le Cheile 2001, the arts and music festival, is the fourth annual summer festival in the north Meath town.
A number of well-known names are on the bill, including Ireland's very own kings of the comeback, Aslan, the Saw Doctors, The 4 of Us and Pierce Turner.
The events kick off tomorrow, when Aslan, one of last year's highlights, take to the stage. In fact, Oldcastle might provide an opportunity to sneak a preview of the band's new material, since they are due to play a sell-out gig at The Point on Saturday before dashing off to do a busy promotional tour.
On Saturday, Newry band The 4 of Us and Pierce Turner, now based in New York, play Le Cheile. The support act on Saturday is a new local band, Slimjim.
On Sunday night, July 29th, the grand finale comes courtesy of The Saw Doctors. It is also worth arriving early the support, Dublin's Brilliant Trees and Sack. Other festival events will include street theatre, shows and family entertainment throughout the weekend.
"It's very much a family festival," says Derek Finnegan of the Culture Gap organising committee. The committee will barely have time to clean up after this weekend before it starts planning next year's festival.
Further information is available on the web at www.lecheile.com or from 087 9765128. Tickets available from In Town & Next Door Express, Oldcastle, Discland, Navan & Ticketmaster agents nationwide at 1890 925 100 or www. ticketmaster.ie