Yellow Brick Road leads to Ballinlough Castle gig

The latest in a series of concerts at Ballinlough Castle in Clonmellon saw acts such as Sophie Ellis Bextor and Alexandra Burke, and Bananarama and Samantha Fox perform in what was described as Europe's and Ireland's first ever music and arts festival for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, and their friends. For the day, Ballinlough Castle grounds was transformed into a technicoloured dream world, complete with rainbow flag at full mast, and an 'Alice in Wonderland' meets 'Wizard of Oz' theme prevailed throughout. MILK festival revellers enjoyed over 70 of the hottest acts around, and strutted their stuff from noon to midnight as a mardi gras style atmosphere took over. Ellis Bextor and Burke added some glamour to the main stage, while icons Bananarama and Samantha Fox brought it back to the 80s. The funky sounds of renowned superstar Roisin Murphy and international DJs including Seb Fontaine, Bodyrox and Luciana kept crowds dancing to their beat at the 'Pink Palace'. Comedy sensation, Katherine Lynch took the stage of 'Harvey's Tent' for a full hour and a half, while some of Ireland's up and going scene queens, including Bitches With Wolves and The Pulpit showcased their talents in the 'Music Box'. Right Said Fred had to pull out because of an illness in the band. As well as top music acts and DJs , festival revellers were treated to a very unique festival dress, straight from Lewis Carroll's imagination. Top attractions including giant thrones, Dorothy's ruby slippers, giant tea cups, a hot air balloon, knitted trees, a 'loving tree' and much more, ensured that there was something to discover around every corner. Those who stayed the night, camped it up in the designated camping area while those who enjoy the comforts of home, stayed in the luxurious Tipi Camping Village.