Julianne Hennelly, Michael Baynes, Tim Ryan, Councillor Blackie Gavin, Aidan Bolger and Mary Bolger at the launch of Castlebar Live. Photo: Alison Laredo

Castlebar Live fundraiser throughout the weekend

CASTLEBAR Live is a non-profit organisation set up by local music enthusiasts in the summer of 2015. Their main goals are to make Castlebar a more attractive destination for lovers of live music and encourage social and economic growth of the town.

In September of last year they held an open air event in Hoban's car park. Local publicans and businesses helped make this happen by contributing towards costs, while local musicians also helped by offering their time and skills free of charge. They also had help from members of the community and other local groups who gave their time to help out. The event was a huge success and so it was decided to keep it alive and build on it.

This year, Castlebar Live will be bringing you yet another fantastic event. In order to make it happen, funding and community support is needed and so this weekend they will raising funds while also providing entertainment for the people of the town.

Tonight (Friday, June 24) there will be a number of live bands taking to the stage in Bosh, including Jam Shugar, Ryo & Damo, Hotrock, Pray for Mojo, Lunar Ticks and more. Admission is free and the show starts at 9 p.m.

All the while, the 'Music Train' will be entertaining the people and publicans of the town by calling to each bar to play a few tunes and spread the word about Castlebar Live and provide information on their future plans.

Tomorrow morning (Saturday, June 25) there will be a cake sale in Lough Lannagh Village in conjunction with Le Chéile FRC and Women's Shed. There will also be a 4km cycle around Lough Lannagh and fun activities such as face painting and arts and crafts for the children. Jam Shugar will be providing the entertainment with an acoustic set of all your favourite tunes, from '60s classics to modern favourites. The fun starts at 11 a.m. and will carry on until 1 p.m.

Finally, Sunday evening (June 26) will see the return of M.A.S.S. (Musical Acoustic Sunday Session) in Tony Flynn's, an open session for musicians to play and network with other musicians and have the craic.

If you are interested in getting involved with any of these events to help rejuvenate the live music scene in Castlebar, message Castlebar Live on Facebook or email castlebarlive@gmail.com.