Teenagers enjoy Lacken beach festival

THOUSANDS of teenagers from all around the country descended onto a beach in Co. Mayo last weekend to enjoy a music festival with a difference. The Foroige Band on the Strand is a unique drug and alcohol-free music festival, which takes place on one of the country’s most isolated and picturesque beaches, Lacken Strand.

More than 1,800 revellers enjoyed the festival, which continued until the early hours of Sunday morning and proved that teenagers do not need alcohol or drugs to have a good time. Headline acts included Ballina band Flat Out, party rockers Now That’s What I Call Live, and iRadio DJ Steven Cooper.

Said Foroige CEO Seán Campbell: “In a week that has seen much debate about alcohol consumption in Ireland, festivals like the Foroige Band on the Strand prove that great events can take place where alcohol does not play a part. Major sporting, art or music events in Ireland are all too often associated with alcohol or an alcohol brand so it’s great to see events such as this, which is organised and run by volunteers, take place and be so successful. The annual festival is now in its seventh year and is going from strength to strength.

“Teenagers need access to events such as Band on the Strand, where they can go, have fun, listen to their favourite bands and meet friends, all in a safe and alcohol-free environment. Activities such as these may help in some small way to change mindsets.”

(Photos: Brian Farrell)