Midsummer Festival breathes new life back into Navan's market scene
A festival celebrating local crafters, musicians and entertainers has "breathed new life" back into Navan's market scene
The Midsummer Festival which took place in the grounds of the LMETB, Railway Street on Sunday saw crafters, musicians, dancers and community groups come out in force to showcase the abundant talent in the town.
The completely free event was organised by Féile na bPáistí, a community group based in Navan.
The event was a vibrant celebration of music, poetry, and art, with a Makers' Market featuring local produce, arts, and crafts.
The festival also included a variety of street entertainment, storytelling, workshops for both adults and children, live music and poetry performances, have-a-go archery and a parade in the evening.
To kick off the festivities, the first hour was a dedicated to a sensory hour, catering to the needs of all attendees.
Dance Mania and Navamba Samba were on hand to entertain festival goers while Paddy Smith and his blues band, Liam Murtagh and Joy Booth got the crowd going with their musical talents.
"The event was a huge success and so many people said to me, this is what Navan needs," said Aoife McNamee, co chairperson of Féile na bPáistí.
"One older gentleman said to me , there is a famine in Navan for markets and traders," she added.
"The kids were in their element too and it is great to have a festival like this where parents don't have to pay for everything.
"The stall holders make their own products so it is nice to give them a platform as well.
"Along with that we had Navan Women's Shed, Navan Men's Shed, Navan Cycling Initiative and Navan & District Historical Society to name a few community groups.
Féile na bPáistí was established in 2019 by a group of local community members and volunteers who share a passion for organizing markets, festivals, and parades in the town. Over the past few years, the group has successfully hosted several events, including Halloween festivals and parades and the successful St. Brigid's Festival in Cornmarket in February.