Family fun day will round off two days of festivities in Tipperary village

The rousing tones of renowned band ‘Folk That’ will reverberate through the hills around Ballynonty on this Saturday evening, June 22, when the group performs in concert at the local community field festival.

The idyllic south Tipperary village is gearing up for two days of festivities, culminating in the annual family fun day on Sunday June 23.

‘Folk That’, comprising well-known local musicians Ger Healy, Denis Heffernan, Noel Webster and Michael Heffernan, will get the festival going on a perfect note in the community field at 8pm on Saturday.

The group, highly popular on Ireland’s traditional/folk/ballad circuit, make their annual trip to the venue. Their previous performances in the riverside field attracted hundreds of music lovers from all over Tipperary and neighbouring counties.

It comes as no surprise, therefore, that demand for tickets for their gig on Saturday has been brisk. Patrons are reminded that tickets can be purchased at the venue on the evening of the concert and barbecue, and a raffle will take place during the event for beautiful hampers and various prizes.

It is worth noting the festival committee’s decision to fix a very modest €5 (a ticket) admission charge for the eagerly-awaited concert and barbecue.

Likewise, for a mere €5 charge at the gate, patrons can enjoy the family fun day on Sunday afternoon, with children admitted free of charge.

In keeping with tradition, the family event caters for all ages and tastes, commencing with children’s favourite, the kids obstacle races, at 2.30pm. It will be followed by a dog show (3pm) and bingo (4pm). Among the many shows on offer for patrons to enjoy are face painting, tombola, flower stall, archery, train rides, barbecue, sale of work, name the doll, sensory stall, candy floss and popcorn stalls, and garden stalls.

Proceeds from the festival will go towards the upkeep and maintenance of the immaculate community field, which is ideally located in the heart of the village, opposite the Crossroad Cafe.

An amenity in huge public demand, “the field” stands as a fitting testament to the herculean efforts of so many local folk down through the years.

The festival committee members have worked unsparingly in a voluntary capacity year after year to ensure that the facility remains in pristine condition to stage various events.

The committee is extremely grateful for the support, financial and otherwise, it has received from so many groups and individuals over the years.

That ongoing generous support for voluntary community work will be in evidence again this coming weekend when large crowds descend on the village for one of the highlights of the summer social scene in the Premier County.

Full details on all events are available on the Ballynonty Community Field Facebook page.