On the record

Small is beautiful, if Irish festivals are anything to go by, writes JIM CARROLL

SOME predictions come true, and the continued rise of the smaller music festival is something that has been on the cards for some time. Over the last few years, On the Record’s annual census of Irish festivals and outdoor shows has pointed to a steady growth in the number of festivals that are thinking small rather than extra large.

This weekend’s debut outing for the Body Soul festival at Ballinlough Castle, Co Westmeath, and next weekend’s Sea Sessions in Bundoran, Co Donegal, are just two examples of the move away from the mass tribal gatherings.

Over the next few months, festivals such as Glasgowbury (Draperstown, Co Derry), Castlepalooza (Tullamore, Co Offaly), Indiependence (Mitchelstown, Co Cork), Cork X Southwest (Skibbereen, Co Cork) and Temple House (Ballymote, Co Sligo) will be hoping people turn up to see everyone from Mercury Rev (Castlepalooza) to Bonnie “Prince” Billy (Cork X Southwest).

Even though most of the festivals are capped at a 5,000 capacity – you’re into licensing scenarios once you go over that mark – getting the folks into the field is still a considerable ask.

As every promoter knows only too well, 2010 has been the year when the notion of an instant sell-out has gone out the window. People are waiting until the week of a show before getting their credit cards out. The radio and print ads for shows that would previously not have required such a push have been unmissable.

However, the growth in volume alone would indicate those behind the fun-sized fests believe Irish fans are prepared to take a punt on their events.

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