The first festival of the summer, Vantastival, is back again this weekend and we absolutely can’t wait to head down to Bellurgan Park in Co. Louth. For those who haven’t been, Vantastival is a unique experience combining the allure of going up the country in those criminally neglected automobiles – Campervans – with some great bands and a lot of great people.

There’s plenty to get up to for the weekend, with arts, crafts and events bursting at the seams, but we here at Goldenplec are such fans of the festival that we made our own list of what to do when you get there.

Sunday at Vantastival 2014 by Keith Crurrams

 

Get involved in Van Culture:

It’s not all about the Vans. You can camp if you want to go without wheels for the weekend, but if that’s the case be warned that you can expect your inner hippy to run wild amongst the assortment of colourful VW Beatles that are dug out specifically for the festival.

The campervans only serve to add to the singular atmosphere in Bellurgan Park, creating a makeshift town of the vehicles on site, as well as providing a festival outlet for all van-lovers out there.

Friday Vantastival 2014 by Keith Currams

Get involved in the Community Spirit:

With the festival based around independent artists, and built in 2009 by a group of family and family friends, it’s no surprise that Bellurgan Park is packed with little features that make the community vibe that little bit stronger.

There are plenty of activities for children. Yep, that’s right, children are welcomed for the weekend, with a specialised kids camp in place with plenty of activities for the budding party animals to take part in. They can build kite’s and save the Planet at the same time, with Vantastival’s Green policy ensuring that all rubbish and litter is recycled and cleared from the campsite.

Whether you end up part of a surrogate family, or appreciating the warm, inviting atmosphere of the site, it’s hard not to notice the wealth of care that goes into making Vantastival all about community.

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Visit the stages:

Vantastival boasts a set of stages that you wouldn’t find anywhere else. Goldenplec will be hosting the delightful Grotto stage this year, which, along with the Vanhalla stage, has been built entirely from sustainable material found on site.

The Grotto is, in effect, an amphitheatre embedded in the natural surroundings of Bellurgan Park, providing a truly intimate and special atmosphere. On the other hand, Vanhalla resembles the form of a Viking Long-Ship, whose rustic architecture is a constant reminder of the beauty of the great outdoors.

Vantastival Sat by Sean Smyth-64

Try Your Hand At Open Mic:

If you keep your voice limber in the hopes that you will be asked to sing at the drop of a hat or are always plotting your next karaoke night then the Open Mic is for you.

New to Vantastival this year is The Garden Open Mic Tent, sponsored by McPhail’s Bar in Drogheda. The Open Mic Tent is another opportunity to see some great musicians take to the stage, while also giving any budding musicians the opportunity to play at the first festival of the Summer. If you’re brave enough to take part you can register at the stage over the weekend. 

Redwoods playing Saturday at Vantastival 2014 by Keith Crurrams

 

Listen To Some Great Music:

Vantastival offers the best of what Irish Independent music can give, with acts like Delorentos, King Kong Company and We Raise Bears amongst the action this year.

All tastes are catered to and if you don’t come home with a new favourite band, it’s probably because you were passed out drunk in a tent for the weekend. You can catch the acts at a host of venues around the Bellurgan Park site, including The Cricketers’ Ball Stage and The DFEI Music Stage.