Downtime Summerfest To Rock in Downpatrick With Ash
Rock band Ash are making an eagerly awaited return to Downpatrick this August.
The Downpatrick band which cut its teeth in the County Town are returning home to celebrate their 30th anniversary where it all began for them in 1992 as they are set to headline this year’s DownTime SummerFest.
Having sold over 8 million albums worldwide, including their hits ‘Girl From Mars’ ‘Shining Light’ and ‘Oh Yeah’, Ash have put Northern Ireland well and truly on the music map.
The return of the band is supported by Newry Mourne and Down District Council, the Arts Council and Tennants NI as part of the DownTime SummerFest running from 4-7th August… a four-day Summer Festival of Arts, Heritage, Sport, Food and Music taking place in Downpatrick from 4-7 August.
News of the bands return comes after Ash front Man Tim wheeler was back in his home town several month’s ago to see to see work completed on a huge mural paying tribute to one of the band’s biggest hits – Girl from Mars.
The mural has been painted on the gable wall of Church Street car park in Downpatrick, with the work being part of a £200,000 revitalisation scheme at that part of the town.
The DownTime Festival organisers are delighted that the Ash boys are making a welcome return. A spokesperson for the festival organisers said: “It’s quite a few years since Tim, Mark and Rick performed in Downpatrick and we are delighted to have them back.
The news of Ash’s return has created a real buzz within the community. The countdown is on and it will be brilliant to see the boys back on stage in Downpatrick!”
DownTime Festival Chairman, Philip Campbell said: “It is our aim to accentuate the positives of Downpatrick and Ash are something to be proud off.
“We wanted to mark their achievements with the unveiling of the Girl from Mars mural and when the band expressed their approval of that, we thought, let’s see might they be willing to play a gig in the town? We were more than delighted when the answer came back positive! It’s great news!”
While ash will no doubt capture the headlines, there are many events over the course of the four days for all the family to get involved including, afternoon tea, tapas night, an Artisan market, ice cream and Indie bands, local blues bands, yoga and for the more energetic, a 5KM run, kids fun run and an action sports show.
Philip added: “It is our intention to encourage people to visit Downpatrick, enjoy what is on offer; but also support local business, many of whom will be running their own events to support the festival. It will be a great weekend.”
Tickets for Ash can be purchased from Down Arts Centre Box Office, 0330 137 4014. Online ticket purchase available via Ticket Source
Sunday 7th August 2022
Down Arts Centre
Doors open 7pm
Tickets £30 (Adults only)
To book call: 03301374014
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