Mundy and Blizzards to perform at triAthlone festival

One of the highlights of this summer in Athlone - the annual Waterways Ireland triAthlone - was officially launched yesterday (Tuesday). Organisers say that this year"s event will be the biggest and best to date, and to coincide with the triathlon race a music and entertainment festival, triFest, will feature live performances from acts including Mundy and The Blizzards. A 1,200-capacity marquee will be erected at the Civic Square and live music has been confirmed for three consecutive nights, from Friday, July 17, to Sunday, July 19. TriAthlone CEO Liam Heavin stated that the festival, which is being arranged in conjunction with Failte Ireland, will be memorable. 'It"s going to be the biggest summer festival ever held in Athlone in terms of music and entertainment, and it will set the stage for what we"re likely to see during the European Triathlon Championships here in 2010,' he said. The triathlon itself will take place on the Saturday, July 18, and over 2,500 competitors are expected to take part. Established in 2006, Waterways Ireland TriAthlone has developed a reputation as one of Europe"s leading triathlon competitions. The four charities who will officially benefit from this year"s event are: Respect, Our Lady"s Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin, Camara and Croi. Well-known travel presenter Kathryn Thomas will also participate in the triathlon and fundraise for her charity, Respect. Discussing the growth of the triAthlone since 2006, Mr Heavin said: 'We are thrilled by the year on year success of the event and the introduction of TriFest, the music and comedy festival this year. The combination of sport, music and entertainment means we have something on offer for everyone. We hope to keep growing at the rate we have been over the past three years as we move towards hosting the European Championships.' When asked about the live entertainment which has been confirmed to date, Mr Heavin stated that on Friday, July 17, the marquee will open at 7pm and the Blizzards will top the bill, with support from Gorilla Radio and Twisted Logic. The following night, the marquee will host the official post-triathlon gig. Doors will open at 8pm and Mundy is the headline act, with support from Hogan. On the Sunday afternoon a family festival will be held, while at 8pm on Sunday what Mr Heavin described as 'a traditional Irish music extravaganza' will commence at the marquee. The headline act on Sunday will be David Warfield and The Young Wolfe Tones. Tickets will be priced at €25 each for the Friday and Saturday concerts, and at €10 for the Sunday event. A combination ticket for the Friday and Saturday concerts, priced €40, will also be available. From this Friday the tickets will be on sale at Music World in Athlone.