ORGANISERS of the Holywood Harmony Festival have announced a series of expansion plans that will see the festival grow in size over the coming weeks.
The three-day line-up of the volunteer-run event has already announced big name acts such as Hothouse Flowers, Ulaid & Duke Special, Gareth Dunlop, Dana Masters and The Emerald Armada.
Running from Friday June 2 to Sunday June 4 the festival, sponsored by Garry’s Barber Shop and now in its third year, is incorporating much more of the local community than ever before.
And it’s all thanks to a fantastic Crowdfunding campaign being run by the festival committee. With almost £1000 pledged online and even more in person at Garry’s Barber Shop, the festival’s main sponsor, Mari Jackson says she’s delighted to be able to announce the expansion.
Festival chair Mari explained: “This year we were keen to try to continue our outreach work to be able to bring the festival to the wider community.
“We already have a strong offering for music fans in our headline acts and various support acts but it was important to the committee to find a way to connect with everyone in the town and further afield.
“So we’ve teamed up with Tessa Ann of TONIC Health & Wellness who is going to deliver a special festival food, craft and health fair on the Saturday and Sunday which will be free to enter for the public.
“We’ve also got Q Radio coming on Saturday to entertain the crowds whilst the legendary George Lowden has very kindly offered to take part in an Audience With….George Lowden on Sunday afternoon.
“All these additions to the festival are part of our expansion plans and we’re truly thankful to everyone who has already donated or pledged through our Crowdfunding page or in person at Garry’s Barber Shop in the town.
“The campaign ends on May 11 and we’re hoping to secure enough funding to be able to add some more last minute free events for children, families and the elderly. At present we receive no funding except that of the generous festival goers, fans and local businesses who have put great faith in our team.”
Now in its third year the County Down festival is a family-friendly event.
Tessa Ann from TONIC Health & Wellness said there will be a whole host of local artisan food producers, crafters and health and wellness experts exhibiting throughout the weekend.
She added: “We’re delighted to be facilitating the festival village area this year and we hope that people will come along to see what’s on offer.
“From arts, crafts, food and drink to health, wellness and other activities there’ll definitely be something for everyone to help them bring out their zest for life.”
To donate or pledge your support to Holywood Harmony Festival go to www.crowdfunder.co.uk/holywood -harmony-festival or call into Garry’s Barber Shop, Holywood.
For tickets log onto www.wegottickets.com/location/ 15677 or check out www.harmonyfest.co.uk and www.facebook.com/HolywoodHarmo nyFestival for more information
LISTINGS
MUSIC
Friday June 2
Ulaid and Duke Special will be supported by The Emerald Armada and Red House.
Saturday June 3
The Hothouse Flowers will be supported by The Nat Youle Band and singer/songwriter Ciaran McElhinney.
Sunday June 4
Gareth Dunlop will be supported by Dana Masters and Sam Wickens.
OTHER EVENTS
Friday June 2
Meet the buskers right across Holywood main street
Saturday June 3 & Sunday June 4
TONIC hosts the festival village 10am – 3pm
Saturday June 3
Entertainment provided by Q Radio 10 – 2pm
Sunday June 4
An Audience with George Lowden 3pm
The Holywood Harmony Festival is supported by:
