KnockanStockan will return to the beautiful Blessington Lakes this month
KnockanStockan Festival has grown hugely in recent years, as people realise just how brilliant the weekend really is. And with Carlsberg Unfiltered returning as headline sponsor, the festival is sure to recreate the magic of previous years.This year, to celebrate Carlsberg Unfiltered’s Danish inspirations, the team will give an existing venue a Danish twist.The brand takes inspiration from Danish simplicity and connection with nature, and this will influence the stage too. They’re creating a space to chill and enjoy performance art, interviews, comedy and DJ sets.KnockanStockan’s main bar ‘the Danish Quarter’ is hosted by Carlsberg too. It overlooks the main stage, so you can enjoy a few pints while watching the awesome live acts perform, as well as swap your warm cans for a drink that is actually cool.
Who’s on the lineup?
The lineup for KnockanStockan 2019 looks better than ever before! Firstly we’ve got Irish festival circuit faves Ophelia, The Eskies and Le Pizza Galaxie. They’re sure to be a familiar and welcome sight for all seasoned festival goers!But added to the mix this year are names from the forefront of innovation in new Irish music. These are the acts that are pushing boundaries, and reinventing what Irish music sounds like today.Kean Kavanagh, Luka Palm, Mango X Mathman, Tebi Rex, Kneecap and Nealo will all be appearing onstage over the course of three epic days.But live music isn’t the only reason to attend Knockanstockan. Story-telling and design will be taking place at Woodtown and KnockanSprogs, new stages that have been added to the festival area.Spoken word will also feature prominently, massive names like Emmet Kirwan and Natalya O’Flaherty are set to appear. Check out O’Flaherty’s excellent Ireland Unfiltered interview for a preview of what’s to come!To top it all off, there’s some gas little curve balls thrown in to keep the festival fresh. Hugh Cooney will be there (remember that terrifying Accessorise Accessorise Accessorise video?), and a Drag Takeover courtesy of Mockie Ah.
How to get to KnockanStockan
The KnockanStockan festival grounds are just a few minutes away from Blessington Village, and well sign posted the whole way to the carpark.The carpark is located at Lacken village, which is en route to the festival site. A shuttle bus service will be running from the car park to the festival field for €2. There is a €10 parking charge to ensure your car is safe, as they’ll be locked and secured each night.
A Festival Express Return Bus is running at the following times:
From Custom House Quay to KnockanStockan:
Leaving site Sunday, 21 July at 20:00, 23:00, 02:00
Regular Return Buses on Monday, 22 July from 08:00
Shuttle buses will be running to and from Blessington regularly throughout the weekend running until 11pm. They leave Supervalu Carpark in Blessington to the Festival Car Park and Lacken to the Festival site.The organisers recommend taking up their public transport options, to “protect the environment and help us lower the number of cars on our lovely land”.
What to pack
There’s certain items that you won’t want to forget:
Tent
Foldable chairs (the campsite is renowned for being great craic, set up an area to hang out with nearby campers)
Sleeping bag (it can get super cold at night)
A few changes of clothes
Some food to keep you going (but not too much that you won’t get to try the amazing food on offer there)
Some dry shampoo (or a hat)
Wet wipes
Glitter (do the environment a favour and choose the biodegradable kind)
Rainproof clothes (just in case)
Ziploc bags (handy for ensuring valuables stay dry)
Wellies
A portable phone charger
Sunglasses (maybe not your best pair, you’re bound to lose them)
A blow up mattress (you might as well go all out)
Swap your warm cans of Carlsberg and Carlsberg Unfiltered for chilled ones and head off to simply enjoy the festival. Carlsberg Unfiltered are the official sponsors of KnockanStockan 2019. Buy your tickets for the weekend here. Brought to you by Carlsberg Unfiltered
