Until now, those of you who wanted to enjoy a music festival without having to deal with drunks or revellers high on drugs had to just suck it up and go with the flow. But what if you don’t drink or use drugs? The Lovin’ Life Festival in Sligo is the new alternative.
Ireland’s first non-alcohol, drug-free music festival will kick-off tonight (Thursday) with a performance from Jack L in Calry Church at 8.00pm.
Whether you’re a teetotaler, a recovering alcoholic or addict, or just simply not interested in getting off your face, then Sligo is the place to be this weekend.
The festival proper starts on Friday evening at 5.00pm and continues through until the wee hours of Sunday morning. Access to the outdoor venue will not be granted to anybody who tries to bring alcohol or drugs onto the site. John Scanlon is a festival organiser for the alcohol-free shindig.
“We can’t physically search people but if we come across people bringing in cans or bottles of beer or that they’ll be asked to leave,†John told JOE.ie. “We’re not anti-drink, if someone wants to have a few pints before they come in and still enjoy themselves.â€
“It’s the first one in Ireland and as far as I know it’s the first in Europe. We’re banking on 2,000 attending,†John added.
The Lovin’ Life Festival is a project established to promote the Bill W Club around Ireland and further afield. The Bill W Club was set up in October 2008 by Aubrey Melville to provide a centre for people experiencing difficulties with addiction.
The club offers a range of complementary supports designed to help the recovering addict re-integrate into society and live a full and reward life by assisting in the prevention of relapse back into addiction; friendship and assistance in recovery, the development of key social skills, peer advocacy, a safe alcohol and drug free environment, a coffee shop atmosphere as well the practical support of educational and employment opportunities. Its motto is: A Launch Pad Back to Reality, from Darkness to The Light. All profits from the Festival will go to support the development and work of the Bill W Club.
The Gettin’ Into It Gig Line-Up:
Friday
5.00pm           Elva
5.45pm           Jody Has a Hitlist
6.30pm           Aine O’Doherty
7.45pm           TBA
8.00pm           Seven Days
9.00pm           Identity Parade
Saturday
11.45am         Colm Lynch
12.30pm         Saving J
1.15pm           Star of the Sea
2.00pm           Tabby Callaghan
2.30pm           Keywest
3.15pm           Huey & The Hobgoblins
4.15pm           The Dead Flags
5.00pm           The Whatmans
5.45pm           Relief
6.30pm           The Gorgeous Colours
7.15pm           Flea Market Poets
8.00pm           Tucan
9.15pm           The Blue Choir
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