Hometown favourites 'I Am Kaii' will help start the build up to Oldcastle's Le Cheile festival with a free launch party this weekend.

Mountnugent songstress Izzy Quinn, who has already graced the John Murray show on RTE Radio 1 with a stunning rendition of a Dylan tune, provides support for local headliners at Saturday's bash in the Fincourt, Oldcastle. Completing the line-up will be the outstanding Pearce Halpin. Aimed at showcasing and celebrating this year's line-up of arts and music, the fun begins at 9pm with a barbecue and a taster of the musical talent on offer at this year's event.

Alongside the music, Le Cheile will be discussing all the arts activities, as well as the huge line up for 2012. Acts secured include the Walls, Paddy Casey, Bressie, the 4 of Us, and over 40 support acts. Arts activities include, Battle Re-enactments on the streets of Oldcastle, along with historic weapons discussions. The excellent staff of Sheridan's Cheesemongers will take over the running of this year's artisan food and crafts markets on the Square. There will also be lots of activities for the kids, arts workshops, and street performers.

Le Cheile 2012 PRO, Fergus Govern enthused, "This year's launch is our way of inviting all our sponsors from last year, as well as our supporters, fans and members to join and celebrate with us, as we enter into our 15th consecutive year of bringing quality music and artists to Oldcastle.

"We are very excited with this year's line up, both musically and artistically, and we are also planning a time capsule for this year. We are asking the people and societies of the area to submit materials relevant to the country as it stands today. The capsule will then be opened in 25 years so people can see how things were in current day Meath."

Submissions can be left into the Oldcastle Library, as well as any ideas people may have for inclusion. These can also be emailed to info@lecheile.com, titled 'Time Capsule'.

Admission to the Launch is free, and the fun kicks off from 8pm.