'Something for everybody' at inaugural Cavan Eco Féile

Cavan Town is set to “transform” this weekend for the inaugural ‘Cavan Eco Féile’, with a lineup that promises to have “something for everybody”.

“The idea is to bring people together in Cavan Town and show that sustainability isn’t just about climate policy - it’s about how we live, work, travel, do business and enjoy our communities,” says Paddy Connaughton, Director of Services, Roads and Infrastructure, Economic Development and Enterprise, Climate Change, Environmental and Water Services with Cavan County Council.

“That’s why Eco Féile brings together music, GAA, business, technology, food, family entertainment and climate action in one weekend.”

With ambitions to establish a signature bank holiday weekend event in Cavan, Cavan Eco Féile aims to showcase a “confident, ambitious Cavan” - a county with major indigenous businesses, improving infrastructure, digital connectivity and strong communities.

“It’s about celebrating Cavan today by looking at the Cavan that we want to create for tomorrow,” Paddy explains.

There will be three days of primarily free activities from Friday to Sunday, with three nights of live music on the main stage at Tesco Car Park, featuring performances from Spirit of Smokie on Friday, The Highstool Prophets with support from Groev on Saturday, and, following a 300-year celebration of Gulliver’s Travels, The Tumbling Paddies will close out the weekend on Sunday.

A “substantial” number of indoor activities will be held in the multi-storey carpark, which is being turned into a family, innovation and activity stage, with digital robotics, Created in Cavan, climate retrofits, sports and the road safety shuttle. There will also be a large covered tent at the main stage to protect concert goers.

A business breakfast is taking place on Friday in Cavan Digital Hub, where the National Broadband Ireland completion event will be held. Cavan 2036 discussions will take place later in the Townhall, bringing major business and industry figures together to show that the event is also about Cavan’s economy and where the county is going over the next decade.

Thousands are expected to flock to a “major” community event in Kingspan Breffni Park on Saturday as 16 U13 finals will take place in partnership with Cavan GAA, before the young players are brought into the celebrations on the main stage.

There has been an “extraordinary” level of partnership involved in bringing the event to fruition between the local authority, local businesses, Tesco, government agencies, the GAA, National Broadband Ireland, community organisations, sponsors, artists and volunteers.

“Large scale” car parking will be available for free around the town core across the weekend, and Paddy encourages as many people as possible to come and enjoy the various activities.

“Come into Cavan next weekend - you don’t need a ticket for most of it, bring the family, spend a few hours or spend a day and see what’s happening,” Paddy says.

For further information, clixk here.