A Unique Celebration of Music and Mayhem
If you're looking for a vibrant mix of music, quirky events, and traditional charm, the Farmer's Bash in Belfast is the perfect destination this weekend. This annual event has become a highlight for those who enjoy a blend of country music, family fun, and unexpected entertainment. Whether you're wearing a checked shirt or just curious about what all the fuss is about, there’s something for everyone at this lively gathering.
A Weekend Full of Excitement
The Farmer's Bash will take place over two days at the Boucher Road Playing Fields, marking the first time the event spans both Saturday and Sunday. This year’s lineup promises to be one of the most exciting yet, with headliners such as The 2 Johnnies and Kaiser Chiefs joining forces with B*Witched, Boyzlife, and Nathan Carter. Attendees can also look forward to unique attractions like the sheep shearing disco, Shrek rave, and an inaugural husband calling championship.
Johnny Smacks, one half of The 2 Johnnies, described the event as “our Glastonbury,” highlighting the energy and excitement that will fill the fields. He added, “It'll suit that mayhem and madness that we'll bring to the occasion – it'll be some buzz.”
A Festival with a Heart
Nigel Campbell, the founder of the Farmer's Bash, launched the event in 2016 with the goal of bringing more country acts together in one place. He emphasized that the festival is about more than just music, saying, “It's about community, tradition, and having a good time.” One of his favorite aspects of this year’s event is the sheep shearing disco, where world champion shearers will perform alongside a DJ playing popular tracks.
For those planning to attend, Nigel offered three tips: “Get here early, get your best country outfit on, and bring the family along.” With performances starting from 9:30pm on Saturday night, the event is set to be a memorable experience.
Farming Roots and Family Ties
Despite their musical success, The 2 Johnnies have strong connections to farming. Johnny Smacks, who goes by the stage name Johnny Smacks, admitted he is an “adopted farmer” who lived on a dairy farm for eight years. He joked, “I am the worst farmer of all time. I don't really like dirt. I don't like work and I don't like getting involved, but I mean, if I had to block a gap, I would!”
Johnny B, known as John O'Brien, shared similar sentiments, describing himself as a “daytime farmer, a fair weather farmer.” He noted that many of his family members are farmers, and while he may not be the most hands-on, he appreciates the lifestyle.
Unusual Events That Will Amaze
One of the most intriguing features of this year’s festival is the husband calling championship. Led by Paul and Cathy Collins, this event gained popularity after Cathy posted a video of herself shouting for Paul on TikTok. She explained, “We happened to film it, then we posted it on TikTok and it just went bananas.” The competition will see contestants call out from the main stage, with the winner determined by audience reaction.
Another highlight is the strongman competition, where Kyle Scott will be participating. He is particularly excited about the “pick up truck deadlift” event, which will test competitors’ strength and endurance. Spectators can expect to see “a lot of heavy lifting and a lot of big men pushing themselves as hard as they can.”
How to Get There
Organizers recommend using public transport or car sharing to reach the venue. Parking near the Boucher Road Playing Fields will be limited, so attendees are encouraged to plan accordingly. The closest train station is Balmoral, with regular services from Belfast city centre. Translink Metro services also operate routes that stop near the venue.
With its mix of music, unusual events, and family-friendly atmosphere, the Farmer's Bash is set to be a standout event this summer. Whether you're a fan of country music, quirky competitions, or simply looking for a fun weekend getaway, there’s no better place to be than at the Boucher Road Playing Fields.