With the continued vaccine roll-out showing promising results, life across Ireland is slowly beginning to return to normal.
Among the list of things that people across Ireland have missed over the past year are gigs, concerts, and festivals. We could see a return to festivals sooner than expected as a socially distanced music festival is planned for Kildare this summer.
The proposed festival is called ‘Picnic at the Manor’. It will include a series of live gigs at Palmerstown House Estate in County Kildare taking place throughout July and August.
A socially distanced festival – what to expect
Are you considering purchasing a ticket for the socially distanced music festival planned for Kildare this summer? Here’s what to expect.
Festival-goers will be given their own pod with a picnic table for four to six people. Remaining inside the socially distanced pods, music lovers can enjoy the music, dance, and have a pint with friends.
However, tickets will only be sold for the entire pod and passes for individual people are unavailable. So make sure to rally three to five friends you’d like to join.
The festival includes two main events – and more to be announced
Thus far, festival organisers have announced two weekends and a number of exciting plans for the socially distanced music festival planned for Kildare this summer.
The first will run from 23 to 24 July and the second from 30 July to 2 August.
Festival organisers have announced a number of acts that will be attending, including Dublin swing band The Swing Cats and European supergroup Spring Break. Others announced are Dublin six-piece Smash Hits 90s and U2 tribute band The Joshua Tree.
Michelin-star chef Derry Clarke will also be there cooking up a storm. He will be serving his gourmet BBQ Smoke House and Swing Grill Menu, which features an array of meat and seafood. Plus, there will be plenty of tasty vegan options as well.
A great sign for summer 2021 – the new normal
The organisers have made three ticket levels available for the socially distanced music festival planned for Kildare this summer.
Tickets will range in price from €120 to €240. A bronze ticket will get you a four-person pod and a silver ticket includes a six-person pod. If you want to splash out, a gold ticket will bag you a six-person pod closest to the stage.
Festival organisers explained that the unique format should allow festival-goers to enjoy great music and delicious cuisine safely with their friends and family.
Organisers of ‘Picnic at the Manor’ explained that the unique format of the event means ticket sales are strictly limited and it is a main priority to avoid overcrowding and congestion, “maintaining ample space for socially distanced food markets and bars.”
With the rapidly shifting nature of COVID-19 restrictions, festival organisers acknowledge the uncertainty of the event. They stated that they will continually monitor the evolving situation prior to the event.
Festival organisers promise to do their “best to assist in rescheduling where possible and appropriate” in the case of cancellation.
They state, “Management will offer refunds beyond our normal terms and conditions if new government protocols require it.”
The plans for the very first socially distanced festival in Ireland this summer have ignited hopes that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
If you’re itching to get back to festivals, tickets for Picnic at the Manor can be purchased here.
