Summer Lights Festival

See Festival Page for full programme of eventsThe Summer Lights Festival takes place this June Bank Holiday weekend 1st to 4th June. This festival incorporates a weekend of events with an international flavour. The committee thank Gallagher’s Bakery who are sponsoring this year’s Festival.This new festival replaces the Melting Pot Festival and has many similarities to its predecessor. Some of the best of musicians from Eastern Europe will be performing. Each pub will have a featured bread of the day with a supplementary craft beer. An exhibition of Donegal’s famous Silkie Whiskey and gin from the Sliabh League Distillery in Carrick will make an appearance.Friday will see the official opening of the festival by Gallagher’s Bakery at the Heritage Centre where entertainment will also be provided by the Kevin O’Donnell School of Music.At 7.30pm Nancy’s Bar will host the opening of a Photography and Digital Imagery Exhibition by Chris Patterson.From 10pm there will be music events in various venues around townSaturday will include:

• Gallagher’s Bakery memorabilia displayed in the Heritage Centre
• All day beer and bread snacks compliments of local pubs and Kinnegar craft beers
• Busking competitions at various locations
• Mrs. Mash bread-making show for children at the Methodist Hall at 1pm
• Children’s fun film show in the Heritage Centre at 2pm
• Gin & bread tasting afternoon with live music at Woodhill House from 2pm to 4pm (shuttle bus from the Diamond
• The final of the breadmaking competition sponsored by Sheila Sweeney (see festival page for details)
• At 4pm in the Heritage Centre there will be a film show for grown ups followed by…
• The ever popular Brass Band playing on the Diamond
• Nancy’s Bar will host a Barbecue and music from 5pm to 7pm
• At 8pm the Beehive will host an evening of Bread, Scones, Stories and Songs with Breezy and guests
• All Pubs in town will have superb music with an international flavour from 10pm onwards.

See Festival Page for more.Sunday 3rd June will see Busking at various locations, a children’s fun film show in the Heritage Centre at 1pm, with open air performance by the Blue Stack Jam Club. All musicians welcome to join in. Nancy’s Bar will host the Big Barbecue from 5pm to 7pm and on Sunday night various venues will have a feast of live music.Monday will see the finale of the Festival where people can relax, unwind and enjoy a selection of music in various pubs in town.See Festival Page for programme of events 

Sheila’s Baking Competition

As part of the Summer Lights Festival, Sheila Sweeney has organised a bread baking competition. Anyone entering should have their entry in the Heritage Centre by midday Saturday 2nd June for viewing and inspection by judges at 3pm. 

Massive Opening Musical Event in the Beehive on Friday Night

A massive musical event to open the Summer Lights Festival will take place in the Beehive on Friday night at 9pm with the world famous Chieftains member Tim Edey, Gerry O’Conner banjo player with the Dubliners and “Four Men and a Dog”, and Gino Lupari singer a bodhran player who is also a member of “One Man and a Dog”. This is a must for music lovers and an amazing musical introduction to this special weekend. The event starts at 9pm and admission is €12. 

Beehive on Saturday Evening

Breezy Willow and her guests including Muhammad Al-Hussaini, Kenny Spiers and Marie Louise Cochrane with a wonderful evening of fun, craic and cookery in the name of Baking for Peace. Show starts at 8pm. 

Saturday Afternoon at Woodhill House Lawn

John and his staff at Woodhill House invite everyone on Saturday afternoon from 2pm to 4pm for a complimentary sip of Gin and slice of homemade bread thanks to Sliabh League Distillery and the Yates Family. There will be live music on the lawn and a free bus service from the Diamond from 2pm to 4pm. 

Open Air Events at Summer Lights Festival

Friday night 1st June Kevin O’Donnell School of Music on the Diamond:Saturday 2nd June live music on the lawn at Woodhill House and the popular Brass Band on the DiamondSunday 3rd June: The Bluestack Jam Club on the Diamond in the afternoon. 

Would you like to busk in Ardara?

Three locations for Buskers are allocated as part of the Summer Lights Festival. There is a prize for the winner so come along from 11.00am Saturday and Sunday and enjoy the fun of busking in Ardara. 

Beer and Bread Complimentary Trail

As part of the Summer Lights Festival this weekend, there is a complimentary Beer and Bread Trail starting at midday Saturday June 2nd at the Ceili House and ending at the Beehive at 7.40pm.For a 40 minute period enjoy a sip of beer compliments of Kinnegar Craft Beer and a slice of bread from a special recipe compliments of each pub owner.Detailed timetable on Ardara Town Facebook and local posters. 

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Owenea FM’s annual evening of Music

Owenea FM’s annual evening of music takes place at the Nesbitt Arms Hotel, Ardara on Thursday June 7th. The event attracts hundreds of music and dance fans and is staged each year to raise funds for the popular station which broadcasts each weekend to Ardara, Glenties and Portnoo on 100.8fm and around the world on oweneafm.com. So far guests appearing  include Gerald McTaggart, Connor O’Donnell, Anthony McBrien, Shaun McMonagle, James and Bridgeen, Stephen Bennett Snr. and Wagon Wheel. Additional guests for the comprehensive programme  will be announced later.Tickets are just €5 and radio presenters are now visiting areas. There will be a supporting raffle and the doors open at 9pm and the evening begins at 10pm sharp. 

The Bluegrass Festival

The Bluegrass Festival takes place 20th to 22nd July and the main headliners are Jeff Scroggins and Colorado, the McLain Family Band and Mules and Men. More info to follow. 

Johnny Doherty Festival

The Johnny Doherty Festival runs 21st to 23rd September. Brid Harper, Dermot Byrne, Steve Cooney, Cherish the Ladies and the Friels are the main headliners during the weekend. More info to follow.