INDIEPENDENCE TO GIVE 1 MILLION BOOST TO LOCAL ECONOMY
This weekend’s INDIEPENDENCE festival in Mitchelstown is expected to yield in excess of €1 million to the local economy. The two-day event has received nationwide attention and music fans are expected to flock to North Cork from all over the country to see bands like Ocean Colour Scene, Supper Furry Animals, Fight Like Apes and The Blizzards.
Speaking to The Avondhu ahead of the festival, chief organiser Shane Dunne said everything is in place for a great weekend.
“The site is pretty wet in parts but as it’s such a huge space, we have just boxed off these areas and worked out the best access points from the hardcore to the grass. The surface is ok for the most part, I just wouldn’t recommend wearing your best new shoes out there!” he joked.
While ticket sales have been consistently strong throughout the summer, Shane believes the late addition of on-site camping has increased demand.
“Ticket sales are pretty good, Monday and Tuesday were excellent online. It has a lot to do with the offer of a campsite and we really need to say a massive thank you to the Mitchelstown GAA for allowing us to use parts of the GAA grounds and the shower and toilet facilities. Without their help, we would have been in a tight spot.”
What has started years ago as a town festival has grown to what Irish music magazine Hot Press has this week described as “the Republic’s next biggest pop/rock festival after Oxegen and Electric Picnic,” and Shane points out that INDIEPENDENCE is ready to cater for the big crowds expected.
“The bars onsite are up and stocked. You can’t bring alcohol onsite but there are plenty options to suit everyone there already,” he said, adding that the bars will run on a policy that minimises litter and waste from plastic cups.
“The only other thing that people should be aware of is the eco-glass system that we will be operating. The system basically entails patrons paying a refundable €2 for the hard plastic glass that they receive their first drink in. As long as they return the glass, they don’t pay this €2 again and can return the empty when they no longer require it and get back the €2. The reason for this is to stop empty plastic glasses being dropped on the site and allow for them to be recycled after the festival.”
Finally the weather, the make or break of many festivals, and the organisers are hopeful for a good weekend.
“The forecast for Friday isn’t great but the weekend looks like it will be okay. I would recommend that people dress for the odd shower,” Shane concluded.
Published:
Friday 31st July 10:49am
