Mayo's Grainne Ale Festival returns this bank holiday weekend

THE popular Gráinne Ale Festival returns to Gracy’s at Westport House Estate on the June bank holiday weekend.

This intimate festival, which began with craft beers and pizza with local brew Mescan as the anchor stand, has now expanded to include more than 20 artisan beers and ciders plus the two Mayo distilleries.

Live music adds to the atmosphere with a great programme of toe tapping bands and performers guaranteed to please.

The weekend programme is as follows.

Saturday:

1-3.30 p.m.: Tap & Stitch - chilled Saturday vibes.

3.45-6.15 p.m.: Néifinn - Conan & Seán - great singalong rock/trad fusion.

7-9.30 p.m.: The After 8s - fabulous entertainers, great for a boogey!

Sunday:

1-3.30 p.m.: The Octagon Quartet - Cool Sunday afternoon jazz vibes.

3.45-6.15 p.m.: Néifinn - Conan & Seán.

7-9.30 p.m.: 4th Wall Down - pride themselves on getting a crowd up and dancing.

From 12 noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, May 30 and 31, the place will literally be hopping. It’s a personality driven festival with a charismatic appeal. Entry is free.