Stendhal countdown continues

WITH less than two weeks to go to the inaugural Stendhal Festival, Limavady has been abuzz with anticipation, and no wonder, with music from over 25 acts including the Mercury Music Prize nominated Turin Brakes and fast rising local star Rainy Boy Sleep, dance performances from the Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company, Poetry from local poets and the acclaimed Poetry Chicks, an art gallery highlighting the best of local artists, a kids play area, and much more, the event promises to be something the the likes of which the borough has never seen before.
By The Newsroom
Published 16th Aug 2011, 10:52 BST

Taking place at Ballymully Cottage Farm on August 19-20, the festival has been a long time coming since it was first conceived in 2008, but it appears that the wait will have been worth it, it certainly has been for the organisers of the event.

Event Director Ross Parkhill said: “Looking back from when we first attempted to run in the summer of 2008, we have come a long way and we think we have got it right this time round. It’s going to be a great weekend, and we are really looking forward to getting everyone out to take a look at what we have set up.”

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He added: “This can be a great plus for Limavady in future years, we are starting relatively small but when people get out and see the space we have to grow, we hope that we can secure the long term support of the local public going forward.”

Along with the entertainment on show, Stendhal will also be promoting local arts and crafts with a craft market which will include stalls selling all sorts of crafty bits and pieces, from hand made jewelry to sock monkeys to pottery.

Food and drink is also covered at the festival with many local businesses supporting the project, something that has pleased festival organiser John Cartwright.

John said: “We have a few local businesses coming along on the day to provide food and drink which is great because we need the support of the people that trade in the town day in and day out.”

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He added: “On the day we will have food stalls from Buddha, Mullans organic farm produce, Doc’s Diner, Yum sweets and milkshakes, the Rugby Club is running two bars, and Julie Lapsley of uddersandgrapes.co.uk will be bringing down a Wine bar for those with a more sophisticated palate.

“On top of that we have a stalls selling crepes, paella, candyfloss and ice-cream, so we are well geared up in the catering aspect of things.”

Tickets for the event are still available at ticketmaster.ie and are only £20 for two nights camping, £15 for the day, or £25 for a family ticket that includes 2 adults and up to four children under 18 (additional booking fee on ticketmaster).

For more information visit www.stendhalfestival.com

Related topics:LimavadyStendhalFood