The talking point of Muff Festival opening night was surely the fun and frolics at The Treehouse Bar & Restaurant. If you weren’t there after the festival parade, you really did miss out.
The sun shone brightly, the Soulseekers played loudly, and folk enjoyed a true festival spirit in the village. Families were able to walk down to the still newly opened venue, and kids played in the sun, as Mum and Dad sipped cocktails and enjoyed a real family friendly evening in Muff.
With a host of wonderful kids and local business walking the streets as part of the opening parade, the weekend really did get off to a colourful and fun start.
As the night wore on, it was back to the village center for a night of laughter, dance and song. The King of Muff saw 6 men desperately compete for that sought after crown. They ate dry crackers, they whisked egg whites, they tried hairdressing and they found bras!!! You just had to be there. A very fun event resulted in Mickey McLaughlin (Highboy) being crowned King of Muff shortly after midnight.
And just before the King was announced, our new Mayor was announced. Young Cathal Doherty from Aught raised €6000 for Pieta House and now proudly wears that gold chain. Congrats to his companion Majella who raised €2000 also for the local Red Cross. Fantastic effort from both candidates.
Music star Gary Fitzpatrick ensured the fun continued with an excellent night into the wee hours (all above board if Garda are reading!!).
Throughout the night there were whispers of opening night: ‘great evening’, ‘fab weather’ ‘lovely to see families out and staying out’ and more. But the comment that stood out last night was from a local grandparent. She said her son and his young family were in the village for the parade. They then proceeded to the Treehouse where the children played until dusk and Mum and Dad relaxed. Following this the family walked the short walk home with children on shoulders and ‘bouncing’ along the road. The kids were super excited to be out and enjoying the festival night and parents said it was the first time they felt they were at a proper festival with their children. That is what a village festival is all about.
So let’s all be saying tomorrow that Saturday felt like a proper village festival. Come out today and explore all that’s going on throughout the day. By night there’s music in the Pig carpark, The Squealing Pig and of course at The Treehouse Bar & Restaurant. There really is something for everyone.
Muff Festival continues today, and there’s a host of events happening. Check out the festival programme to see what suits you. There’s loads.
GMcC