Latest news with #Ablefest
RTÉ News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Preparations under way for Ablefest 2025 in Co Meath
Preparations are well under way for what is set to be Ireland's first and largest music and arts festival for people with additional needs, which will take place in Co Meath this weekend. The organisers of Ablefest have said the non-profit event aims to highlight the importance of inclusivity and accessibility, and attendees class it as their Electric Picnic. This year's line-up will see the likes of Jake Carter, Johnny Brady, Brian Mullen, Catch 22, Matt Leavy, tribute act Irish Elvis, and Bingo Loco take to the stage at Fairyhouse Racecourse on Saturday. Festival-goers will also be able to enjoy a "myriad of creative fun" at an array of art and activity stations. Special toilets will be provided by AccessoLoo on the day for wheelchair users needing hoists while there will also be staffed sensory pods on site. Co-founded in 2018 by Shay Casserley and Kevin Farrell, who both have children with additional needs, this year's festival is set to be the biggest one yet. It is also the first year that Ablefest will take place at Fairyhouse Racecourse to accommodate a larger number of attendees, and the first year that Meath County Council is partnering with the event. Ablefest has donated thousands of euros to charities in recent years and organisers are now looking into using the proceeds from the event to sponsor respite care for families. Collaborations have also been formed with other festivals such as TradFest in Dublin and the St Patrick's Day Festival in Killarney. Co-founder and festival director, Mr Farrell said that he and Mr Casserley set up the festival as there was nothing like it already established in Ireland. He said: "We are very excited to collaborate with Meath County Council for Ablefest 2025, which is shaping up to be our biggest and best yet. "Ablefest is the first and largest accessible festival in Ireland, where 1.2 million people have a disability, and I am proud to welcome people from all over the country to Fairyhouse for a fantastic event." Meanwhile, Chief Executive of Meath County Council, Kieran Kehoe said: "Meath County Council is delighted to partner with this year's Ablefest event, once again showcasing Meath as an inclusive county for people of all abilities. "The excellent line-up and supportive festival environment will ensure Ablefest 2025 will undoubtedly be a great day out for all on Saturday," Mr Kehoe added. Tickets for Ablefest 2025 are still available to purchase online with organisers stating that all money raised is used to cover the cost of the event itself, or else is donated to charity.
Irish Independent
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Meath welcomes country stars and Irish Elvis for largest inclusive music and arts festival
The festival, Ablefest, co-founded by Shay Casserley and Kevin Farrell has been running since 2018, and is a non-profit event that highlights the importance of inclusivity and accessibility. Since 2018, Ablefest has donated thousands to charities in Ireland and are now looking into sponsoring some respite care for a family from the proceeds of the festival. The festival has partnered with Meath County Council for its sixth year, setting the standard for inclusive celebrations in Ireland and working with other festivals, including TradFest in Dublin and The St Patricks Festival in Killarney, Co. Kerry. This year's line-up will feature music from Jake Carter, Johnny Brady, Brian Mullen, Catch 22, Matt Leavy, and Irish Elvis, as well as having an array of art and activity stations. There will also be a multisensory area, holistic therapy and yoga, and staffed sensory pods. Festival director Kevin Farrell said: 'Ablefest is the first and largest accessible festival in Ireland, where 1.2 million people have a disability, and I am proud to welcome people from all over the country to Fairyhouse for a fantastic event.' Chief executive of Meath County Council Kieran Kehoe said that the festival showcases Co. Meath as an 'inclusive county for people of all abilities'. 'The excellent line-up and supportive festival environment will ensure Ablefest 2025 will undoubtedly be a great day out for all,' he said. Everyone is welcome to attend the festival, with tickets available online. One carer (with valid ID) can also attend free of charge with each ticket holder. The organisers of Ablefest have created a video on their Facebook page, outlining every aspect of what to expect at their festival in order to provide support to any attendees.
