The Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival gets underway today, with more than 30 live performances set to take place across the village over the coming days.

Now in its 31st year, the festival runs from today through to Sunday, with a packed programme of bluegrass, Americana, folk and country music across four venues.

Importantly, all of the gigs are free, with organisers expecting visitors from across Waterford and neighbouring counties.

Festival organiser Clifton Foyle says the event has continued to grow on the foundations laid over many years.

He says this year’s festival is bigger and better, with more than 30 gigs taking place over the weekend, while still retaining its family-friendly atmosphere.

Foyle also says the festival plays an important role in the local economy, helping to extend the tourism season in Dunmore East by encouraging visitors to stay in the village for a few extra days.

He says many festival-goers travel from outside the area, while there are also visitors who have been returning to Dunmore East for the event for decades.

The festival has developed into an annual pilgrimage for many music fans, with Foyle saying they have seen the same people returning year after year.

With free live music throughout the weekend and performances spread across the village, the Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival will provide a major boost to the area as the summer season draws towards a close.

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