Registration is now open for parade participants in Mountmellick’s Boglands Festival 2025 with just two-and-a-half months to go.
A huge amount of planning and preparation has gone into the local Festival and parade, but organisers now need the community’s support.
St Joseph’s Accordion Band will lead the parade, which has already secured the support of the Local Authority, local groups clubs and schools, and local businesses.
A new concert venue has been secured and a second stage has been added to the event for the first time ever.
Some huge Irish artists and guest performers have been announced, including Fieldsy, Seamus Moore, James McGrath, and The Rattling Kind.
Two more headliners are expected to be announced as well as many more guest appearances.
“The idea is to build the event over the next decade, growing every year to include some of the biggest artists live on stage right here in Mountmellick,” organisers said.
There will be a circus, funfair, various market stalls, catering services, dancing, music, and children’s attractions including mascots, face painters, a pet farm, bouncing castles and more.
The Mountmellick hurlers will be the leading group, showcasing their 2024 Laois IHC crown.
Over the next few weeks, organisers will hold a number of fundraising events, including a Church gate collection.
A family day event will be held on Sunday, March 16, in aid of The Irish Cancer society.
“This is just a patch on a full year’s planning and preparation to not just save our local tradition but hopefully preserve it for the future,” organisers said.
“It’s the one day of the year we all come together as a Community and celebrate our shared culture our history and who we are as a Community showcasing our small town with the big heart to the world, but without you we cannot make it happen we are literally a handful of volunteers.
“Even though so much has been done, we have a mountain to climb still and we need your support more than ever.”
For more information, contact Jason on 085-2135119, Martina on 085-2093253, or email mmcentralhubservices@gmail.com.
