It’s a Family Affair at Dublin’s Soul Festival

IRELAND’S feel-good event, the Dublin City Soul Festival is back to celebrate its sixth anniversary with a very special two day celebration of music, art, food and fun in Merrion Square Park.

Dubbed the Soul Picnic, the fun weekend on May 26 and 27 has been providing the wow factor for locals and tourists alike since it first took over Merrion Square Park in 2007.

This is the only true music concert in a picnic style of its kind as the beautiful Merrion Square Park fills with people relaxing on their picnic blankets with the mouth-watering smell of summer in the air.

As the BBQs spring to life and the ice cream starts to flow the festival seems to have a direct line to the weather gods as it has traditionally taken place in blistering sunshine.

Musically, you can expect to witness some of the best local, national and even international surprise guests performing live on stage. And as if all that sounds too good to be true, then there’s more – the Soul Festival is free to attend thanks in no small part to the hard work of a dedicated bunch of volunteers and the support of Dublin City Council and Failte Ireland.

Organisers are remaining tight lipped about the musical line up though they did reveal to Dublin People that among the acts already confirmed are The Hot Sprockets, The Barley Mob, Wyvern Lingo, The Amazing Few, Fox E & The Good Hands, El Hombre Jokes, Louisiana 6, GMiley and The Sunshine Puppets and The Bionic Rats as well as some very special surprise guests promised on the day.

Festival founder and CEO, Chris Maher, said:

“The Soul Picnic is about enjoying a very special day in one of Dublin’s most beautiful parks with all your friends and family. It’s a feel-good celebration full of positivity and good vibes. Where else could you get 10 bands a day for free?

“The event is run as an awareness generator and fundraiser for the Musical Youth Foundation which is providing children with access to music education and its many life changing benefits. We are asking everyone to be generous and make a donation to the Musical Youth Foundation.

“After all you could pay upwards of e100 and counting to see that many bands at any other event and you wouldn’t be left with the feeling that not only are you helping a great cause but you’re having a good time to boot.

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Other events taking place over the Soul Festival weekend include a Gospel Brunch in the Church Bar & Restaurant on Mary Street and a festival restaurant trail offering all sorts of special offers and appetising dishes.

The Soul Picnic takes place in Merrion Square Park from 12pm to 6pm on both days. The advice is to get there early and don’t forget your picnic blanket. For more information on all the cool Soul Festival events see www.soul.ie