The first-ever drive-in country music concert takes place next month when the Ballymena Showgrounds will be the venue for the Farmers’ Bash Country Drive-In.
Around 400 vehicles are expected at the show which is supported by Mid & East Antrim Borough Council and which features some of the biggest names in country music.
It takes place on Saturday 4 July.
To give it an added dimension and in keeping with the Farmers’ Bash rural audience, a limited tractor park section within the grounds will also be available with strict social distancing guidelines being observed.
The line-up at Ireland’s first ever country music drive-in will see Derek Ryan, Marty Mone and country queen Philomena Begley take to the stage performing for the first time in weeks in front of a live audience. Derek and Philomena are also expected to perform their current duet ‘It Won’t Rain Forever’ at the event.
With FM transmission of the music directly to car radios, country fans will also be able to benefit from the on-site PA system.
Promoter, Darren Gardiner from LSFX Productions said this will be a new way to enjoy live music, at least in the short term.
He admits that preparing for this event will be challenging and in light of Government and Public Health regulations states that ticket holders must adhere to strict guidelines whilst attending.
He said: “The safety of our staff and attendees is paramount at all times and although we want to encourage country music fans to come along and enjoy this ‘first ever’ experience, it will be compulsory that everyone adheres to our strict COVID-19 ‘Visit Safe’ guidelines. The message is simple; come in your car….stay in your car….leave in your car”.
On-site toilets with controlled queuing will be available but only if absolutely necessary. There will be a selection of food available with providers serving directly to cars so as to maintain social distancing and avoid queuing.
Gates open at 5p.m with tickets for Farmers’ Bash ‘Country Drive-In’ are now on sale via www.farmersbash.com