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12th June 2018
12:23pm BST
Festival season is the best time of the year. You get to dress up, listen to some unreal music, spend time with friends and drink in the sun (hopefully).
Irish festivals just keep getting better and better and Body&Soul is up there as one of my absolute faves. It's fast approaching and if you're as excited I am, I know you'll want all the deets.
Here's everything you need to know:
Body&Soul is one of the most stunning festivals in the country. It focuses on the celebration of music, creativity and culture, which can be seen from every corner as soon as you arrive.
It is now in its ninth year and this year it has the theme of Alchemy. Attendees are encouraged to present their interpretation of what alchemy is through their costumes and energy during the weekend.
The festival will host some brilliant artists, theatre, art installations, amazing food experiences and wellbeing activities.
The festival takes place on the grounds of country estate, Ballinlough Castle, Co. Westmeath.
During the festival, the entire site is transformed into colourful and creative wonderland. Everything from the main stage to twigs on the trees are decorated with hand-crafted artworks.
The site boasts beautiful walled gardens, forest dens and trails - You'll find yourself continuously coming across new places and things to explore. For those who really want to chill for the weekend, there's even an al fresco spa - So don't forget your swimwear.
There are direct buses from Dublin and across Ireland. There will be a carpark for anyone who wishes to drive also.
The festival runs from 22 – 24 June.
The Body&Soul camping areas are usually broken up into three strands - Green, Red and Blue. There are lots of different sites within these camping areas and plenty of choice to suit every camper.
General Camping is included in the price of a standard ticket and does exactly what it says on the tin. If you cant bare the thought of pitching a tent or being uncomfortable during the night, here are some other options:
If you're looking for something a little more glam and a lot more comfortable, boutique camping is calling your name.
Yurts, tipis, silk tents, bell tents - There's almost too much choice.
Here are three options for boutique camping:
Kid-friendly campsites.
This area takes a step away from the hustle and bustle of the others and allows those who actually want a good nights sleep to get just that.
Tickets available here.
You know the drill with this one.
Tickets here.
For the green-camper.
This site encourages campers to recycle their waste and take all of their camping equipment home in exchange for the best location and its very own cafe and events.
Too lazy to go to the hassle of bringing your own tent? Well, what if you had one waiting for you already?
The DREAM right?
You can choose your very own packages that offer airbeds, chairs and sleeping bags.
Available here.
This year hosts a range of Irish and international artists alike.
Here's a list of the full line up so far:
Here are some of my top picks:
I saw Shamir a few years ago and he really did blow me away. He's funky, he's fresh and he is crazy talented.
On The Regular is the jam of the century tbh.
Listen to this and I guarantee you'll start getting excited.
You probably remember this guy from The All Ireland Talent Show and maybe you know his granny from his popular song Mary Keane's Introduction.
Daithi has over the years become one of my favourite Irish musicians, he's super talented and so unique. He gathers sounds from all over the country and makes them into a musical masterpiece that's current, soaked in culture and totally addictive to listen to.
I can't even describe to you how obsessed I am with Lankum. I went to see them play last year and after that I haven't stopped listening to them.
These guys are Irish music at its finest and they're also just so enjoyable to watch perform. They've taken Irish folk and traditional music and turned it into something new and exciting.
This performance will be epic, I can promise you that.
Mixing the Celtic harp with electronic pop and 60s folk vibes is what these two girls do best.
Obsessed with their sound.
These girls have got some serious talent and you cant help but bop along when you hear them play.
Their tunes are super catchy and they are definitely ones to watch.
To get you really in the musical mood, here's the full Body&Soul playlist:
If you're looking for something other than music, there's plenty to see and do.
There will be appearances from the likes of Louise O'Neill, Blindboy Boatclub and Waterford Whispers to keep your mind ticking.
A hub to share stories, performances and conversations, featuring the people shaping Irish culture and society.
A place to challenge critical thinking. Blindboy and Waterford Whispers will be here to discuss topical issues and get you thinking.
Ah sure we all need a laugh every now and then.
Following the theme of Alchemy, Absolut will be mixing up some deadly vodka based cocktails to sip on while you bop away to their live acts.
A Parisian bar serving bubbles? See you there!
Can you tell that I cannot bloody wait for Body&Soul this year? I'm sure after reading this, you feel the same.
If you're interested in going, tickets cost €199 and can be purchased here.
See you there?
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