All Together Now 2024 is a GO!

Earlier this week All Together Now announced the enticing news that the Festival Gates would open at 4 pm Thursday 1st of August letting attendees avoid the busy Friday traffic, set up camp early, sit back, and have a nice, relaxing evening before the weekend properly kicked off. Not only that, but they also disclosed several surprise pop-up performances on the Belonging Bandstand and Hidden Sounds stage to kick off the weekend. The action got underway at 6.30 pm with Donegal's Aonair on the Belonging Bandstand and at 7 pm Kilkenny native Gary O'Neill on the Hidden Sounds stage. On a glorious sunny evening, the sound of music began to draw the crowd to both stages. Next up on Belonging was Dublin-based Kiruu who was back at ATN after a fantastic set last year. On the Hidden Sounds stage, we saw the seamless blending of folk, traditional, jazz, and bluegrass from David San Clair. By 9.30 pm large crowds had gathered at both stages and the festival weekend vibe was starting to kick in. One of Waterford's favourite and most talented bands Toucan was next on Belonging and under the stewardship of Conor Clancy got the party really going. Over in the picturesque setting of the Hidden Sounds stage, young up-and-coming Cork singer Iona (also the lead singer with The Cliffords) showcased her immense voice with a performance that stunned the crowd. The opening night of ATN 2024 drew to a close with Anamoe Drive's intimate set on Hidden Sounds. There was a full-on dance mood as a packed Belonging Bandstand saw Waterford's King Kong Company finish the night with a DJ set that included the usual extraordinary antics of Boxhead as she danced around the stage. This mood flowed out into the audience with fans of the band decked out in King Kong masks and the odd boxhead magically appeared. The full band is back on Saturday night on The Something Kind Of Wonderful stage, mark it down now as they are a must-see!