In recent editions of the Limerick Independent we have already alluded to the somewhat overcrowded Irish festival circuit in situ this summer.

However, every now and then, a little festival appears that offers something different.

The second Irish Green Gathering, which takes place in Enniscorthy in Co Weford from August 8-10, is one such event.

Bereft of major promoters or corporate sponsorship, Irish Green Gathering has its own agenda–a non-profit mish-mash of music and eco-related discussion, it almost sounds too idealistic.

Nevertheless, a UK version is running smoothly for years, and with the Irish organisers significantly buoyed by the response of the inaugural festival last year, it seems it is time for round two.

Giles Fitzherbert, essentially the ‘Lord of the Manor’, hosts the festival on his grounds at Woodbrook House. He explains the objectives behind I.G.G.

“Our idea has been to run an enjoyable low cost festival which can bring green ideas and practices to a wider public, especially younger people, and to open people's minds to living in a more sustainable way.

“From the start we have been clear that the festival must run entirely without support from corporations of any kind. We intend to prove that our kind of low cost, non profit event can be run sustainably and can stand on its own feet financially.”

So, what did the organisers learn from last year? “We were confirmed in our belief that the basic concept was a goer but were reminded that one has to be prepared for filthy weather,” enthuses Giles.

So far, so good; but to up the ante significantly, I.G.G needed to back it up with a choice of artists that would attract their target audience in the first place. Michael Carr, a Cork-based journalist/band manager took up the baton this year, and was responsible for booking most of the artists.

With a distinctly Irish, and independent feel, main billing goes to the likes of Cork quirky-popsters Fred, Limerick’s own sonic-assassins Giveamanakick, and Dundalk’s anarcho-folk troubadour Jinx Lennon. “The best thing about festivals is finding something new, and in that regard I'm looking forward to seeing Ugly Megan and Percolator,” adds Michael.

Other acts recommended include the awesome Wexford instrumentalists Adebisi Shank, Dublin stalwarts Large Mound, epic indie types Cars In Walls, and Kilkenny’s one-man band Rarely Seen Above Grand. Limerick has further representation on the line-up with the inclusion of The Brad Pitt Light Orchestra and Kevin Blake.

As for acts the organisers would have liked to see on the bill? “We were in touch with Christy Moore; he has always been supportive of events like this, and he was good enough to get back to us personally and say that other festival commitments in Ireland this summer prevented him from playing, but if we'd invite him next year he'd love to come along,” notes Michael.

However, a cynic might say that it is all well and good running a festival with a message behind it, but wouldn’t that message be somewhat harmed by the amount of power used to run an event of this magnitude? Not exactly so, as Michael Carr explains: