Bank Holiday Weekend preview bonanza!

As we glance out the window here at HP Towers we can't help but notice that the sun is beating down. Perfect timing for the fast-approaching Bank Holiday weekend. Looking ahead it appears that the only problem is that there's maybe a little too much going on. As much as we'd like to catch all the action, we have yet to figure out how to bend time and space. So, for those of us dotted around the country, here's what's in store for the coming days ahead.

Arguably the biggest event of the weekend takes the form of the inaugural Forbidden Fruit Festival. One of the summer's most highly anticipated events, Dublin city centre's first ever multi-staged music festival takes place on the grounds of the Irish Museum of Modern Art in Kilmainham this Saturday and Sunday.

Headlined by the always welcome Flaming Lips and the unmistakable sounds of Aphex Twin, the festival aims to leave a lasting impression with its debut by unleashing a host of top names upon festival-goers. From the crazed synth-based stylings of Battles to the psychedelic pop of Caribou to the soulful musings of Wild Beasts, there really is something for everyone. The festival also boasts a wealth of top Irish talent too, including Jape, The Cast Of Cheers, Kid Karate and many more.

You can check out full line-up and stage times here and don't miss our exclusive sneak preview of the festival site right here.

If you're not in Dublin this weekend don't panic, for there are plenty of alternative options for you to take your pick from. Across the country, Galway plays host to the Havana Cultura Festival. Described as "a window on contemporary Cuban creativity", the festival promises over sixty free events between Friday and Sunday.

At the centre of the festivities will be the return of the legendary Cuban All Stars, as well as performances from Sabor Cubano and the Cuban Jazz Project. Representing the city, Galway’s very own eight-piece salsa band Cuba Libre will also play. But the action won’t just confined to the main stage on Mainguard Street. The whole of Ireland’s Cultural Heart will be injected with a little latin flavour for the weekend.

Elsewhere, the Jägermeister Freezer Sessions - brought to you by Hot Press - stops off at The Forum in Waterford on Saturday, featuring performances from General Fiasco, Royseven, Solar Taxi and band-of-the-moment The Minutes, whose excellent debut album Marcata is currently riding high in the Irish album charts. Don't miss this great opportunity to catch four of the country's best bands in action.

And if that wasn't enough (we're getting scared now), the Cork X Southwest festival returns with a stellar line-up that sees Echo And The Bunnymen, Peter Hook and Patti Smith at the top of the card. Another multi-stage affair, the weekend will also see sets from God Is An Astronaut, Fred and Jape, who is probably going to need a sleep-in come Monday morning.

But wait, there's even more! Staying in Cork, punters can check out the Bandon Music Festival. Now in its 15th year, the three-day festival kicks off on Friday featuring the likes of Fight Like Apes, Republic Of Loose Jerry Fish, Sharon Shannon and many other top Irish acts.

Phew! I think that's all. Now if you'll excuse us, it's time for a lie-down...