Upstart Music Festival 2024 (Photos)

GLOUNTHAUNE, Cork one-day Upstart Music Festival returned on Saturday for its fourth edition with a quality bill. Focusing on Cork's music scene, it again showcased emerging talent and also dipped into Leeside's music history. Taking place in Craig's Field Glounthaune, just 7 km outside the City with accessible public transport or bike, available to gig-goers ages 16 and up, all in a family-friendly setting for lovers of music. With a total of six great bands on the show, the event kicked off just after 4.30 pm running ‘til 10 pm all being done and dusted for the last train back to the city. First on the schedule was the four-piece Shoegaze/alt-rock band Mossy with Emma Maguire on lead vocals. Next up was the electrifyingly energetic indie rock four-piece Telebox. Winners of Galway Battle of the Bands, and more recently UCC/UL Battle of the Bands and fronted by Joe Kelly on vocals and guitar they raised the volume and got the party atmosphere going. During their set, they were joined by Jodie Lyne (Cork band Mirrors). Cork/Kerry band Single Men In Their Twenties kept the crowd rocking as darkness began to set in. This year’s ‘blast from the past’ came from The Men from Manhole - three-fifths of the 1990s Leeside indie outfit. The penultimate act were Cork ‘bitch-wave no punk’ outfit I Dreamed I Dream. Kinsale's Cardinals returned home after a summer of touring to headline the fest. After starring at All Together Now and Electric Picnic the five-piece continues to look more polished with every viewing. Each member carries that rock star attitude none more so than lead singer Euan Manning. With a growing confidence and maturity, Cardinals make you feel like you're watching a band from the early '80s.