Night and Day: Acclaimed acts, family fun, a song contest and more in the stunning surroundings of Lough Key Forest Park

The countdown is officially on for Night and Day 2023 – with a thrilling array of music and cultural acts, family-friendly activities and a highly anticipated song contest coming to Lough Key Forest Park in Boyle, Co. Roscommon on June 24 & 25.

A special celebration of the Summer Solstice on the banks of Lough Key, the weekend serves as the perfect opportunity to explore the forest park's stunning natural and historical features – from its 19th-century parkland, complete with breath-taking trees, follies, bridges and canals, to the multitude of walks and trails through the native woodlands, bog garden and forests.

There's no shortage of musical highlights at this year's festival, either – featuring a combination of established acts and emerging stars.

You can expect your Saturday to be soundtracked by the legendary likes of Anna Calvi, Pillow Queens, God Is An Astronaut, David Keenan, Emma Langford, The Eskies, JYellowL, whenyoung, The Aftermath, Bog Bodies, The Drifter, Jester, God Alone, Patrick Stefan and Bury Me With My Money.

And the music doesn't stop there! Sunday's selection is equally epic, featuring Mercury Rev, Hothouse Flowers, Wallis Bird, Gruff Rhys, Kev Sheridan (live), Naked Lungs, Mark Wolfson, Tomike, Myles Manley, Pastiche, The Pale, Aengus Devine, Nialler9, Jinx Lennon, Keith Plunkett, Lemonade Shoelace and Reevah.

Mercury Rev. Credit: Michael Bloom

If all that music doesn't keep you busy enough, you can also look forward to an extensive range of activities at the festival site – including kayaking, zip-lining, bike trails, boat tours, tree-top walks and more.

In addition, the festival's ‘Family Zone’ will once again provide a full itinerary of activities for younger festival-goers throughout the weekend.

And, following its success last year, the Night & Day Festival Song Competition is back! Run in association with Lensmen Photography and Video Production, the contest supports up-and-coming artists – providing them with the opportunity to win a day of recording in a prestigious studio; two days filming and editing of a music video; and a slot at this year's festival. There's also prizes for Second and Third Place.

If you haven't applied already, act fast – the deadline for entries is April 30!

Last year’s song contest is a key feature of the upcoming TG4 series, Night and Day: O dubh go dubh, due to air later this year.

Last year’s song contest winner Patrick Stefan will also perform at this year’s festival.

“Excitement is building ahead of this year’s festival," says festival director Brendan Hurley. "With one of the most spectacular venues in the country, more great acts, and a significant variety of on-site activities, we know this year’s event will build on the magic and community that was created last year.

"We all know that the acts draw in the music-lovers, but it’s the crowd that makes an event come alive, so we can’t wait to welcome a crowd of people ready to be part of making that happen.”

The festival is an over-20s event – but under-12s can enter for free when accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Tickets for Night and Day are on sale now at www.nightandday.ie/tickets

Anna Calvi. Credit: Maisie Cousins