The full line-up for Live at the Castle has now been announced with a great variety of entertainment from local performers to international acts scheduled to perform at Enniskillen Castle over seven days this March.

Set in the unique and picturesque surroundings of Enniskillen Castle, Live at the Castle – formerly known as the Shoreline Music Festival prior to its rebranding – aims to bring the absolute best of local and international live acts to perform under a Big Top tent.

With something for everyone, the event starts on March 11 with dance icons, I am a Raver, hosted by Bad Boy featuring six top DJs including DJ Rankin, DJ Cammy and Gary MCF.

Then get ready for Freddie on Saturday, March 12 as Enniskillen welcomes Europe’s number-one Queen tribute band, Qween, to the castle with special guests, The Human Touch -–Ireland’s top tribute to The Boss himself, Bruce Springsteen and his E Street Band.

Acclaimed local singer-songwriter Ryan McMullan headlines on Sunday, March 13, ahead of jetting out to the USA later that week for a host of shows Stateside.

The Portaferry artist, who has supported Ed Sheeran and Foy Vance, is no stranger to sold-out shows and it’s unlikely this gig will be any different. Supporting Ryan will be Donegal musician John Doherty (Little Hours) and in-demand local musician, Kiel Cathers.

After a two-year hiatus St. Patrick’s Day is back with a vengeance and The Whistlin’ Donkeys and The Logues are headlining a two-day St. Paddy’s Fest with a top-class line-up of special guests including Aoife Cathcart, The Porter Bellys, The Tumbling Paddies, The Hand me Downs, and The Blarneys, all helping to paint the Castle green and get everyone in the festive spirit on March 16, ahead of the main event the following day.

Homegrown Heroes will be a frontline appreciation concert on Friday, March 18, to pay tribute to the efforts of our healthcare and frontline workers, with 600 free tickets being given away to NHS and essential workers.

All proceeds from sales of the remaining tickets will be donated to local artists who were unable to work during the pandemic.

There will be a line-up of local bands headlined by Jake Carter and his band, as well as ‘Full Moon Fever’, ‘The Engagements’ and ‘The Davy K Project’. The organisers have also hinted at some surprises they are keeping under wraps until this show.

Ibizan cool

On Saturday, March 19 Ibiza comes to County Fermanagh as saxophone and DJ duo Lovely Laura and Ben Santiago bring a touch of Ibizan cool to NI with warm-up from German dance project ItaloBrothers, who make their Irish debut.

With summer dates and acts still to be announced, the festival is already shaping up to be a highlight of the year and event organisers Experience Enniskillen are hopeful it will become an annual occurrence.

Noelle Mc Aloon from Experience Enniskillen said: “Quite often Enniskillen is overlooked when it comes to festivals, but I think the last two years have taught us all to appreciate what we have on our doorsteps and to support the local entertainment scene.

“Live at the Castle is about showcasing the best in local, national and international talent and we’re confident it will put Enniskillen on the map and prove it can hold its own as a festival-hosting town.

“It’s great for the local economy and tourism, and we’re excited to bring people here and have them experience all the beauty and warmth that the town has to offer.”

Conor Miller, from headline sponsors, Pat’s Bar, added: “The last two years have been extremely challenging for the hospitality and tourism industries but now, with restrictions hopefully coming to an end, there is a real buzz in the air.

“There is a huge appetite and enthusiasm for live music and entertainment again and it’s great that such a wide range of musical tastes are being catered for with this festival – there really is something for everyone.

“We look forward to welcoming gig goers to our official pre- and after-parties at Pat’s.

“Live at the Castle will give the town, its people and its businesses a much-needed boost.”