Rock band Ash are making an eagerly awaited return to their hometown this August for a local festival.
The Downpatrick grown band are returning home to celebrate their 30th anniversary where it all began for them in 1992 as they are set to headline this year’s DownTime SummerFest. Having sold over 8 million albums worldwide, including their hit song ‘Girl From Mars’, Ash have put the Co Down town on the music map.
The return of the band is supported by Newry, Mourne and Down District council, the ArtsCouncil and Tennents NI as part of DownTime SummerFest; a four-day Summer festival of Arts, Heritage, Sport, Food and Music taking place in Downpatrick from August 4-7.
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News of the band's return comes after Ash frontman Tim Wheeler was back in his hometown several months ago to see work completed on a huge mural paying tribute to the band. The mural has been painted on the gable wall of Church Street car park, with the work being part of a £200,000 revitalisation scheme in that part of the town.
The DownTime Festival organisers say they are delighted that the Ash boys are making a welcome return. A spokesperson for the festival organisers said: "It’s quite a few years since Tim, Mark and Rick performed in Downpatrick and we are delighted to have them back.
"The news of Ash’s return has created a real buzz within the community. The countdown is on and it will be brilliant to see the boys back on stage in Downpatrick."
DownTime Festival Chairman, Philip Campbell said: “It is our aim to accentuate the positives of Downpatrick and Ash are something to be proud off. We wanted to mark their achievements with the unveiling of the Girl from Mars mural and when the band expressed their approval of that, we thought, let’s see might they be willing to play a gig in the town?
"We were more than delighted when the answer came back positive! It’s great news."
There are many other community events taking place over the course of the four days including, afternoon tea, tapas night, an Artisan market, ice cream and Indie bands, local blues bands, yoga. For the more energetic, a 5KM run, kids fun run and an action sports show.
Philip added: “It is our intention to encourage people to visit Downpatrick, enjoy what is on offer; but also support local business, many of whom will be running their own events to support the festival. It will be a great weekend."
Tickets for Ash can be purchased from Down Arts Centre Box Office, 0330 137 4014. Online ticket purchase is available via Ticket Source
For full details on all the Downtime Summerfest events follow their Facebook here.
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