Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny’s iconic Barrel Yard venue is the place to be on Saturday and Sunday, May 4 and 5, as the acclaimed Freeman’s Country Carvery band and Jack Grace Band take to the stage for not-to-be-missed live, outdoor performances.
The welcoming team at the enclosed, city centre venue are rolling out the red carpet for the entire Smithwick’s Kilkenny Roots Festival weekend from May 3 to 6 and promise an evening of fantastic live entertainment from 5pm onwards on Saturday, May 4, featuring a mix of classic country tunes and songs from honky tonk heroes of the 1960’s and 70’s.
Freeman’s Country Carvery fans can also enjoy delicious food prepared and served on-site from The Sausage Experience before they venture further around the City for the rest of the night and the Festival weekend. The Jack Grace Band take to the stage, again from 5pm on the Sunday for the second live music session. The Sausage Experience will be back on site on the Sunday afternoon, feeding the festival masses and joining in the buzz.
Ignacio Peregrina, Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny Manager, said that as title sponsor, Smithwick’s Irish Ale will have an extra special welcome for Festival revellers right throughout the weekend.
“Smithwick’s has always been keen to support business, festivals and the wider economy in Kilkenny. It’s a tradition that goes back generations to when the Smithwick family lived here. We’re delighted to be the Title Sponsor again this year for the 26th edition of the Smithwick’s Kilkenny Roots Festival. It’s fantastic to see so many new acts on this year’s programme, as well as lots of favourites.
“It’s typically a weekend that we get fine weather and our enclosed, open-air Barrel Yard really is the place to be. We’ve just recommenced our Barrel Yard sessions programme at weekends and the momentum is really building. We will have DJ sets, live music and mouth-watering food from around the world served on site from a variety of top-class vendors each weekend until the end of September. It will be great and we’d encourage music lovers and those who enjoy the very best in Street Food to come and join us. A full bar is available throughout the weekend, also serving low alcohol and alcohol-free drinks.”
John Cleere, Festival Director Smithwick’s Kilkenny Roots Festival, said: “The support of Smithwick’s, our patrons, volunteers and friends is vital to the success of this great Festival weekend. We particularly appreciate the fabulous audiences that turn up every single year, often to support artists that are relatively unknown but who later go on to enjoy international acclaim. We’re looking forward to seeing lots of old faces, and many, many new ones too,” Mr Cleere said.
Entry to the live sessions is free and ample seating and standing space in available in the enclosed, heated outdoor space. A full bar will be available on May 4 and 5 and each weekend until the end of September, featuring a range of options, including low and no-alcohol drinks.
The extended entertainment programme at The Barrel Yard across the summer will mainly showcase classic rock and Americana genres, but it will also feature a mix of chill-out vibes, DJ sessions, and festival celebrations.
The Barrel Yard pays homage to the historic former brewery yard where wooden barrels were once repaired and stored, ready to be filled with Smithwick’s ale for distribution to pubs around Ireland. It is the perfect spot for visitors and tour groups to unwind before or after their visit, and for friends and family to gather and enjoy Smithwick’s famous red ale in the heart of medieval Kilkenny city before exploring the surrounding pubs, restaurants, and hotels.
For more information, visit www.smithwicksexperience.com or follow @smithwicks_ireland on Instagram.
