The May bank holiday weekend in Dublin's Merrion Square will see a hugely exciting and varied programme of interactive debate and discussion on sport, economics, politics, architecture, media, art, fashion and much more as well as performances of theatre, slam poetry and literary readings. John Banville, Diarmaid Ferriter, Claire Kilroy, Literary Death Match, Nathan Rabin, Michel Bauwens, Caroline Casey, Fred Pearce, Mark Little, Brian Keenan, Ed O’Loughlin, Dermot Healy, Anthony Cronin, Raffael Kemenczy, Detmar Blow, John Minihan, Valgeir Sigurðsson.

 

Vantastival is a three-day family-friendly music festival held at Dunany Estate in mid-Louth over the May bank holiday weekend (April 29 - May 1, 2011), aimed primarily at campervan, motorhome and motor scooter enthusiasts but will be a brilliant weekend for all seasoned festival-goers with live music and entertainment on three stages. It will also include a trade show, competitions and workshops focusing on the enhancement, upkeep and exhibition of campers and scooters. There will be two separate campsites, one for residential vehicles and one for scooter owners and other attendees to pitch tents. Vantastival will provide an occasion for camper and scooter owners and admirers to come together over a shared passion for their lifestyles and machines, to meet like-minded people and exchange ideas. Guaranteed live music, entertainment and craic all weekend and everyone is welcome! With a dedicated trad and folk stage, children's activities, holistic healing area and food and craft fair amongst other things, Vantastival has something to offer everyone. Performing are: Donal Dineen Wallis Bird Jamie Lawson The Cujo Family The Hot Sprockets Miracle Bell We Cut Corners Windings The Riptide Movement Bill Coleman Bipolar Empire Prairie Dawgs Sanzkrit Preacher's Son Sounds of System Breakdown Sweet Jane Beans on Toast The Barley Mob Anthony Furey and the Young Folk Catherine Dowling The Fontanels The Gandhis Louisiana Joyride The Dirty 9s The Amazing Few I'd Fight Gandhi Identity Parade Rainy Boy Sleep Von Shakes DC Tempest Adela and the Meanits The Bluestack Mountain Boys The Fallen Drakes Heroes in Hiding TKO Geriko Toysoldier The Kapitals Indica Machine Gun Baby The Casanova Wave Saving J Pressure Drop The Butterfly Graveyard Albrecht's Pencil She's a Beauty Jupiter and the Infinite The Cabin Fever Band little xs for eyes Black Svan Norabelle The Curtain Thieves Neptune City Yukina Henrietta Game Ghost Estates Fox.E and the Good Hands Reverend JM's Panic Workshop Resin Kloe Humm Cry Monster Cry Saint John the Gambler

 

Peter Kay, probably the finest English comedian out there, a man who could sell out any venue for a month of 8pms. Superb.

 

 

Gotta Get A Gimmick- Musical Comedy Revue. HIGH HEEL Productions presents Gotta Get a Gimmick a musical comedy entertainment that’s a bailout from the Blues. Your Dishy Diva Duo Grace Dunne and Paula Greevy-Lee, accompanied by pianist Ben Barnes, will sing a selection that includes much loved numbers from Musical Comedy Revue and Musical Theatre. "It’s a great night out not to be missed!" - Rebecca Storm.

 

Hosted by Mark Little, with Caroline Casey (Kanchi), Dr. Steve Collins (Valid Nutrition) and Mick Kelly (Grow it Yourself)

 

Hosted by Marty Mulligan with The Brownbread Mix, Glór Sessions and Tonguebox, featuring Raven, Cah 44, Erin Fornoff, Kalle Ryan, Enda Roche, Stephen James Smith and special guests.