Knockanstockan has always been a beacon, shining a light on emerging Irish talent. The year long break that the KS crew took means that they've had time to regroup and plan arguably their strongest ever line-up.

With such a large array of talent on offer - some of which you may not be familiar with - it's hard to decide just who to see so we've assembled a list of acts to check out over the weekend.

Farah Elle

When: Saturday, 17:30 - Spirit Animal Stage

What to expect:

Farah Elle gives the traditional singer songwriter at a piano trope a twist by introducing melodies from her Middle Eastern heritage. A previous Plec Pick for 2017, see our full feature here.

The Eskies

When: Saturday, 21:30 - Spirit Animal Stage

What to expect:

Up the Parish! What would the 'Christmas of the Summer' be without the holy communion of several thousand people giving Turlow the finger and a rendition of Edelweiss? The Eskies at Knockanstockan is a dietary requirement. In fact, it's more important than drinking. So get on it.

The Hot Sprockets

When: Sunday, 21:30 - Spirit Animal Stage

What to expect:

Soul brothers! The Hot Sprockets are another band that bleed Knockanstockan through and through. Let the lads get you into a cold, cold, sweat with their infectious, feel good brand of rock'n'roll.

Nava

When: Saturday, 12:30 - Faerie Field

What to expect:

Nave are probably the best band in Ireland that you've never heard of the four piece made up of merge traditional Irish music with to create a unique and joyous clash of cultures.

Alright You Restless

When: Saturday, 15:30 - Spirit Animal Stage

What to expect:

Another of the traditional sites at Knockanstockan. If Americana is your thing then let G Star and Co. transport you back to a simpler time when Credence Clearwater Revival and Gram Parson were the thermometer of youth culture and Mary in the morning was the order of the day.

Topso

When: Friday, 23:00 - Unfiltered stage

What to expect:

The first appearance of a band called Topso. You may remember some of the members from The Barley Mob, one of Knockanstockan's favourite sons. The latter band have disbanded and Topso has risen from the ashes. They've just dropped a handful of tracks online and we're already hooked. Frontman Adam Daly is one of the most charismatic frontmen around and one that soars in a live setting. Be sure to catch this act at one of their first ever gigs - you won't be disappointed!

Bitch Falcon

When: Saturday, 20:00 - Dimestore Tent

What to expect:

Ireland's best rock band plain and simple. The trio have been taking UK and European festivals by storm this summer, so expect to find them at the top of their game when they descend on Ballyknockan.

Cathy Davey

When: Saturday, 19:30 - Spirit Animal Stage

What to expect:

A magic carpet ride through Cathy Davey's extensive and varied back catalogue. Davey is a powerhouse performer as evidenced by her recent hit album, 'Cathy Davey  'Live At Dublin Unitarian Church'.

The Scratch

When: Saturday, 20:30 - Spirit animal Stage

What to expect:

Imagine a metal band had all their distortion pedals stolen and were forced to go acoustic. Now imagine that made them so angry that the gods of metal took pity on them and made them heavier than they ever were before. Welcome to the world of The Scratch, where quiet is louder and more furious than ever before.

Super Silly

When: Saturday, 22:30 - Spirit Animal Stage
What to expect:

Super Silly were an act that we chose as one of our Plec Picks for 2017 as we were taken aback by their first few shows. In that time, the band have grown and developed in to one of the most rounded and exciting RnB acts in Ireland. When you combine that sprawling bass, tight as shit beats and varying vocal styles - you get an act that can't be missed.

The Olllam

When: Saturday, 20:30 - Spirit Animal Stage

What to expect:

If you see one thing this weekend, make it The Olllam. On paper, it doesn't make much sense. A Belfast-born uilleann piper John McSherry and Detroit natives Tyler Duncan and Michael Shimmin have come together to make a Irish traditional band ... but with a flowing and exciting take on the Irish trad.

Not unlike The Gloaming in formation and vision, what you have here is musicians, not  from Ireland, who love and appreciate Irish traditional music. But as with anyone who is not tied to the textbook way of making a genre-specific music, they mix, elevate and evolve the music to something new and inspiring.

To add to this melting pot of music, they've only gone and added bassist Joe Dart, him to be of Vulfpeck fame, who played on their latest album. Fuck yes!

Kojaque

When: Saturday, 23:30 - Spirit Animal Stage

What to expect:

The new king of Irish hip hop will be dropping bombs from his critically acclaimed debut concept album, 'Deli Daydreams'. If languid jazz soundscapes and the sharp end of reality is your vibe, then look no further.

Paddy Hanna

When: Saturday, 18:30 - Faerie Field

What to expect:

Paddy Hanna and his craic team of Bad Boys deliver a fervent dose of kitsch rock'n'roll with wit on the side. Suspend disbelief and they'll lead you on magical journey for Christmas with Mario Lanza and a jaunt around Toulouse.

*SHAMELESS PLUG*

GoldenPlec Talks: Plec Talks

*SHAMELESS PLUG*

When: Saturday, 15:30 - Unfiltered Stage

What to expect:

We'll be holding a 2-hour chat and discussion with a host of acts (The Eskies, The Hot Sprockets & Cathy Davey) - chatting about their music, Knockanstockan, the state of Irish music and to be honest, the conversation will go wherever the cans of Tuborg may tell us to go!

If you're looking to start your day off with something different and laid-back, then please potter on over as we'd love to see all of your faces!