REVIEW: The Brilliant Knockanstockan Festival Continues To March To The Beat Of Its Own Drum

The first time I attended the Knockanstockan Festival, the stunning site at Blessington Lakes was home to only a 'main stage', a food van and a small tent that doubled as a second stage. Despite its modest set-up, I became a firm fan very quickly. While other festivals might sell themselves on big names and elaborate installations, Knockanstockan has always prided itself on providing a platform for emerging Irish artists. Much has changed down in Lacken since my last visit but that most definitely has not. Among the headliners at this year's festival were Loah, The Eskies, O Emperor and New Secret Weapon but the beauty of Knockanstockan is that is a lucky dip over five stages - you never know what you're going to come across next. From Bunk's freestyling blues in the Faerie Field to Rebecca Collins in the Circus Tent, the festival's eclectic line-up means you are just as likely to find a rocker climbing a set of speakers (Pretty Beast) as you are discovering a self-esteem building EDM party (Contour). The atmosphere at Knockanstockan is one of its main selling points and it's something that you just can't manufacture. For many of the acts on the bill, the festival is an annual reunion and they are just as likely to be spotted strolling around the site having the craic as the ticketholders are. As with anything, the devil is in the detail and it's here that the event comes into its own. From handmade bunting to the medieval parade which kickstarted the beginning of Day Two (check out our Instagram for the video), every nook and cranny of the site is full of surprises. Bonus points have to go to the fire pit, which was an absolute lifesaver once temperatures got chilly on Saturday night. While festivalgoers are welcome to bring their own drink into all areas of the site, a €6 charge for a pint seemed a bit on the high side but the food, on the other hand, was INCREDIBLE. After stuffing our faces for two days solid, we can say our highlights were the amazing chilli nachos from Eco Bus, the pulled pork bap, the chorizo and pepperoni pizza from the Big Blue Bus, the gorgeous crepes in the campsite for breakfast... we could go on! Closing in on its tenth anniversary, major credit has to go to the organisers of the festival for managing to grow the festival and keep it alive in a very competitive environment, while still maintaining the original ethos. €80 for a two-day feast for the soul? We're already counting down the days til next year...