Letterkenny is gearing up for an unforgettable weekend of entertainment, music, and celebration as it hosts the Letterkenny Festival this weekend.
The festival promises a great lineup of events and performances that will cater to all ages and interests, with something for residents and visitors alike. This year’s festival is run in conjunction with Letterkenny’s first Pride Festival, showcasing the town’s commitment to celebrating diversity, inclusion, and self-expression.
The event kicks off on Friday, 18th August, at McGettigan’s Hotel on Main Street with the Gig-Rig entertainment starting at 7.30pm. The crowd will be treated to a trip down memory lane with the sensational band My Generation, followed by the beloved Bagatelle & Friends, promising an evening filled with nostalgia and excellent music.
On Saturday, 19th August, the Gig-Rig entertainment continues at the Donegal County Library on Lower Main Street, starting at 6.30pm. The night will be a showcase of exceptional musical talent, featuring performances by Aaron Coleman, String Empire, Darren O’Halloran, EPHAPES, and a special guest appearance by Mundy. Music lovers are in for an unforgettable experience, embracing a diverse range of musical styles.
Sunday, 20th August, brings excitement and adrenaline with the Soap Box Derby on the Port Road, in association with the RNLI, starting promptly at 2pm from the Golden Grill car park. Witness the thrill as homemade soapbox racers compete for glory and support a great cause in the process.
Sammy Gorman, Former Winner of the Soapbox Derby, which returns to the Port Road this Sunday, 20th August at 2pm as part of Letterkenny Festival. Photo Clive Wasson.
In the evening, the Gig-Rig moves to Sister Sara’s for “Country Sunday” starting at 5pm. Attendees can enjoy the best of country music with performances by Hard to Beat, The Wild Rovers, Mickey Joe Harte, Limelite, Kathy Durkin, Hugo Duncan, and Sinead Black.
To ensure a wonderful experience for families, the Letterkenny Community Development Project’s “Stay & Play Program” will host face painting, arts and crafts, a photo booth, games corner, toddler’s corner, and appearances by beloved cartoon characters on the Saturday and Sunday.
Letterkenny’s first Pride Festival takes place on August 19th and adds another layer of joy and significance to the festival. Organised in partnership with the LGBTQ+ community, it is a time to celebrate how Ireland has evolved and to show support to Donegal’s LGBTQ+ community. As well as the Pride parade, there will be events happening throughout the town, including a screening of ‘Pride’ at Century Cinema and a Pride After Party in The Brewery Bar.
For more information and updates follow Letterkenny Festival on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LKFest/
Check out some sneak peeks below from the stars taking to the stage!
Bagatelle will be on the Main Stage on Main Street on Friday 18th August:
Mickey Joe Harte will be here for Sunday evening’s ‘Country Sunday’ in Sister Saras:
Kathy Durkin, who’ll be joining a host of other musicians and singers for Country Sunday in Sister Saras: