It might well be another scorcher this weekend, so those seeking outdoor activities can head to Enniscorthy — where the annual Strawberry Festival will culminate in a musical bash.
Diving right in to the gap left by Oxegen, the Co Wexford fest’s line-up is impressive, and leading the way is local hero Maverick Sabre.
Indeed, it’s not only its strawberries that Wexford’s known for — thanks to Sabre’s newfound fame, it’s also known as the county that gave us the international chart sensation.
Though born in the UK, the soul/rap star moved back to his parents’ home of New Ross when he was a pup, and it’s in the Co Wexford town that he learnt the tricks of his trade. When Maverick Sabre (21) made the move back to the UK at the behest of mentor Plan B two years ago, it was then that he came to the attention of key influencers in the UK.
Since then he’s released successful album Lonely Are The Brave (which went gold after three weeks in the Irish charts), and hit singles Let Me Go, No One and I Used To Have It All.
He’s now returning for a victory lap around Ireland. The jewel in the crown is this home-turf Strawberry Fest show which will undoubtedly bring out his family and friends wanting to see their boy in action tonight.
Maverick Sabre - No One on
MUZU.TV.
There’s plenty to keep punters fans entertained throughout the weekend of the 45th Strawberry Festival.
There will be a craft fair, a ball with a champagne and strawberry reception, and of course lots of strawberries on sale — but the
centrepiece is the weekend-long Strawberry Fest music event.
Kicking off today, it starts as it means to go on with some of the country’s most talked-about burgeoning bands on the bill.
Get there early for Kilkenny’s newest things Neon Wolf, the genre-defying Original Rudeboys and Dublin faves Bipolar Empire. Irish hip hop sensation Rob Kelly will also be performing today.
Over the course of tomorrow and Sunday, we’ll see everything from rock legends Status Quo to hip DJ Arveene — and everything in between.
Other top DJs including Darren Rice and Paul Webb will also be doing their thing.
Rock stalwarts The Saw Doctors, X Factor star Marcus Collins and tribute band The Complete Stone Roses will also play.
We (and the rest of the female population) can’t wait to see The Voice of Ireland mentor Bressie in action.
We’re also getting our rock on for Dublin heroes Aslan, who are celebrating their 30th anniversary this year.
And don’t forget to get there early tomorrow, as the opening slot goes to the winner of local competition Wex Factor. Geddit?
The Strawberry Fest takes place at The Showgrounds, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, from today through to Sunday. For more details, see www.2012.strawberryfest.ie.