Country star Lisa McHugh will play Canningstown this weekend.jpg

Hooley at the Bridge set to be a scorcher

It's time to get your glad rags on and head for Canningstown as one of the best summer festivals around is ready to launch.

The Hooley at the Bridge attracts music fans from far and wide for four days of music and entertainment. The festival runs from July 5 to 8 and features some of the most recognisable names in local and national entertainment. The brainchild of Carmel McCabe and Adrian Rodger, the musical celebration has grown from strength to strength over the last four years.
“This is going to be the highlight of the summer. The weather is on certainly our side,” a busy Carmel told the Celt as she makes the final preparations for the extravaganza.
“Lisa McHugh is sure to be a big draw. We had her here a few years ago and she was a real hit with the audience. A lot of people will be looking froward to Johnny Brady, he’s very popular,” enthuses Carmel of the headline acts.
The Bridge Tavern’s annual event is growing in popularity every year.
“We had full houses last year,” recalls Carmel. “So we would encourage people to come along early to avoid disappointment. They can come along and just pay on the door, it is a weekend for young and old.”
One of the more unusual aspects of the festival is the Thursday night staging of ‘And Thank You’, Seamus O'Rourke's latest one-man show.
“Seamus has been a part of the festival for a while now. The proceeds from Thursday night will be going to the Knockbride GAA.”
Carmel says that aside from the top of the bill there will be plenty of entertainment on offer.
“All the other band have played to packed houses here, so we are sure people will be entertained.”
She said that it has become part of the calender in the region: “People book their holidays around it.  The good weather is just another added bonus. There will be kids shows plus lots more. I have to say that Adrian Rodgers has done a lot of work to make the Festival what it is and he has also put in a lot of work this year.”
The feast of music, drama and sport will see Four Degrees West and Rhythm & Sticks play Friday before Lisa McHugh takes to the stage. On Saturday it's Elite Country Radio DJ Ger Butler.
Sunday sees Alanna Maher followed by Sandmen and Jiving Competition Judged by Ger Butler
Sunday night is the Highstool Prophets, All Folk'd and concluding with Johnny Brady.
So the Festival at The Bridge Tavern, Canningstown, Cavan, July 5 to 8.