For all the many truly special DIY festivals scattered across the island (Féile Na Gréine, Open Ear, Quarter Block Party…) there is always and forever space for more. For those of you of a similar disposition who are located in and around Belfast—or not adverse to a little road trip—the inaugural outing for Under the Drum on Saturday, 28th September, is very worthy of your attention.
Taking over Breckenhill, a family home and events venue just 30 minutes from Belfast and on the edge of the Antrim hills, the boutique festival is, blessedly, set to bring together various artists we’ve been championing for over a decade now. If you make it down, you’ll have The Reade family—David, Hen, Rosanna, William and George—to thank. Along with what they’ve called “many talented friends and supporters,” they are, because of their desire to make special, new things happen, heroes in our book already.
As well as the promise of food stalls, art, poetry, yoga and more to explore, the festival’s first nbill—running from 11am-12.30am—will feature sets by the likes of Blue Whale, Oh Boland, Arborist, Garrett Laurie, Brand New Friend and Junk Drawer (full disclosure: of which I’m one-quarter). There will also be sets by the likes of Neil Brogan, Ciara O’Neill, Susie Blue and more.
Check out the full line-up below and pick up last remaining tickets here. It might go without saying but making the Under the Drum a sell-out in its first year could very well make all the difference to what it very well might become.
While you’re at it, check out one of the Irish albums of the year, Last Immediate Images by Blue Whale, below.
