Festival season is upon us, and this weekend welcomes the return of It Takes a Village. Set in the coastal holiday village of Trabolgan, the three day event showcases a host of diverse musical talent – both local and international – as well as curated conversations, poetry, comedy, drag, pool parties, and even synchronised swimming lessons. Here are nine acts to catch over the weekend.

FRIDAY

Le Boom

Having already brought their live show to Barcelona, Rekyavik, New York, and Bilboa, Irish duo Le Boom return to Trabolgan this Friday following the release of their debut EP ‘All of My Highs’. Known for their slick and danceable electronic pop, this promises to be a fun set.

Happyalone

Having won the opportunity to play at last year’s Electric Picnic, Cork outfit Happyalone proved they have what it takes to engage and entertain a festival crowd. With a dark and atmospheric brand of ambient trip-hop reminiscent of Massive Attack and Burial, Happyalone was named one of GoldenPlec's ‘Plec Picks' for 2019.

SATURDAY

Dowry

Dowry is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, melding contemporary classical music, Irish traditional music, and ambient soundscapes in captivating live sets. Improvisation is an important feature of Dowry’s performance style, meaning no two shows are ever the same. Following their experimental debut release ‘In É’ last year, Dowry was also named one of our ‘Plec Picks’ for 2019.

Snapped Ankles

Some say post-punk, some say dance-punk, some say space-punk; Snapped Ankles are many things but there is certainly a light-hearted rebellion in their commitment to performing in ghillie suits. The London-based group bring their hypnotic techno to Trabolgan on Saturday.

Silverbacks

Silverbacks are another great guitar band to come out of Ireland as of late. With energetic riffs, vocal hooks, and dry humorous lyrics, 2019 is poised to be a great year for this Dublin-based group.

Sunday

Kojaque

Another of our ‘Plec Picks’ for this year, Kojaque is lauded for his passionate, poetic, and authentic meditations on modern day life in Ireland. Following a string of sold out shows and a South by South West showcase; this is a must-see for Irish hip-hop fans.

New Jackson

David Kitt has been on the scene nearly twenty years, and this Sunday brings his electronic alter-ego New Jackson to the stage in Trabolgan. If recently re-released The Night Mail is anything to go by, it should provide the perfect low-key club tunes to soundtrack the fest's final night.

Katie Kim

There is a quiet power to the work of singer-songwriter Katie Kim. Their captivating vocal – be it set against the acoustic or the expansive – proves emotive time and time again. Fans of Daughter will appreciate.

Super Silly

Accomplished musicians in their own right (and having met playing gospel in church) Super Silly are a contemporary RnB quartet with a pop sensibility and soulful funk that’s acutely suited to a festival setting. Boasting Irish (Wyvern Lingo) and international (Odd Mob) collabs, this group look set to be a guaranteed crowd pleaser.