This year, vote Sunflowerfest

VOTE SUNFLOWERFEST: A decidedly different election campaign kicked off today with organisers of Northern Ireland's all-inclusive festival calling for voters to choose leading lifestyle and alternative music at the fifth annual Sunflowerfest. Launching the festival, which will be an excitingly different and magical weekend of great music, arts and entertainment, Michael Magowan confirmed that this year's event on Tubby's Farm, Hillsborough would be bigger and better with musical performances from The Orb and The Answer. Taking place from 22nd to 25th August the Enchanted Glade will be filled with performances and storytelling as well as poetry, and interactive art, dance and music workshops. Sunflowerfest shares a love of the countryside and aims to make Tubby's farm and all its glorious flora, fauna and festival magic accessible to everyone. From Blacksmithing and green woodworking workshops to chocolate shamanic yoga and from classically trained musicians to Death Metal organisers can't wait to welcome peopl

County Down natives The Answer and London electronica group The Orb will headline at Sunflowerfest at Tubby’s Farm, Hillsborough, it has been confirmed.

The key performers were announced at a celebratory launch event that kicked off this year’s festival at The Sunflower Bar, Belfast.

The alternative music festival has built a reputation for delivering an eclectic, family-friendly four-day event and this year’s festival, scheduled to take place from August 22 to 25, promises to be bigger and better than ever.

Attracting international artists as well as local talent and emerging acts from Northern Ireland is a coup for the quirky festival, but organiser Michael Magowan says there’s much more to Sunflowerfest than just  music.

“We are delighted to return for our fifth year and cannot wait to welcome young and old, nature lovers and those looking to escape the humdrum of the everyday to Tubby’s Farm. We’ve been working hard on a programme of activities, events and traders that will surprise and delight everyone in August as we celebrate five years of success.”

This year the Enchanted Glade of Mystery and Surprises will feature a programme of family shows within a wonderland of make-believe, while The Kidz Zone will have interactive activities for children including poetry, storytelling, puppetry and painting.

“If you want to simply relax and take a break, our rejuvenation area, Sunflower Bliss offers a wide range of complementary therapies or if you want to debate late into the night in the Moot, an arena of ideas, then make sure to book your tickets now for a weekend to remember,” added Magowan.

Families are again very welcome this year and there will be a separate campsite provided. So from blacksmithing and green woodworking workshops to chocolate shamanic yoga, and from classically trained musicians to Death Metal, organisers of this year’s Sunflowerfest can’t wait to welcome guests of every age, creed, race and lifestyle who are looking to enjoy a weekend of freedom in a friendly and accepting environment.

Sunflowerfest kindly acknowledges the assistance of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Lisburn City Council in the production of this year’s event and welcomes SOS Bus NI as the festival’s official charity partner.

For further information or to purchase tickets visit www.sunflowerfest.co.uk.