Latest news with #ForbiddenFruit
The Journal
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Journal
The family-friendly wild bee festival run by two 'citizen scientists' in Co Dublin
IT'S SUMMERTIME, WHICH means it's festival season: we've seen festivals like AVA, Forbidden Fruit, ATN, and Beyond the Pale come and go. But today marks the beginning of a slightly different type of festival – the Skerries Annual Wild Bee Festival. Kicking off this evening with the screening of ' Plight of the Bumblebee ', a new documentary concerning the world of bees and their connection to Irish religion, folklore, and biodiversity, the festival will run until Sunday evening. This year marks the fourth occurrence of the festival, which began in 2022. Described as 'a family-friendly event with bee themed crafts and activities for children as well as educational events and lectures suited to serious nature lovers both amateurs and experts', it was originally put on by the National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC) in collaboration with Fingal County Council. After its first successful outing, however, the centre had to move on from Skerries to spread the message to other parts of the country. Charles and Marion Heasman, a retired couple involved with the NBDC who describe themselves as 'keen amateur naturalists and citizen scientists', decided that although the NBDC had to 'spread the love around the countryside', they wanted the festival to continue in Skerries. 'So we formed a group, and we've run the festival for the last three years, including this one, which is the fourth,' Charles told The Journal . The festival is run 'on a shoestring', but between small grants from the council and some local fundraising, the couple have been successful in making it free to attend – although this evening's screening requires the purchase of a ticket due to the cost to put the documentary on. Advertisement Charles Heasman Charles Heasman Both 2023 and 2024 were slightly less well-attended than it had been hoped due to inclement weather, but with a brighter forecast for this weekend, the Heasmans are hoping for a turnout of a couple of thousand people. 'When the NBDC organised the first one, it was fairly academically inclined for people that were already in the conservation field, as it were, and interested,' Charles said. 'We make our festival much more family friendly.' The couple described some of the activities aimed at children on offer, including face painting, fancy dress, arts and crafts, among others. Marion said that they hope that their festival allows people to become more engaged in the ongoing climate crisis – but also to provide a lighter view. 'A lot of people get anxious about climate change and biodiversity,' she said, 'and just having talks and being able to say, 'well, hold on a minute. We can all do something little to help – don't get too anxious'.' Charles Heasman Charles Heasman The weekend event, which is to be held at Skerries Mills, will feature activities for children, bird watching, talks from ecologists and botanists, walks around certain parts of the area to explore the local ecology, as well workshops. The local community garden, which the Heasmans are also involved in, is at the same site, which has 'lots of bees' – including a threatened species of bumblebee that those involved in the NBDC's work are trying to conserve. The Large Carder Bee located in the Skerries garden just prior to the festival in 2022 after efforts were made over a number of years to lure it in with the pollinator friendly garden. The NBDC has described Skerries as 'leading the way in demonstrating how a local community can work together and take action'. You can find out more about the festivities here . Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Sunday World
07-06-2025
- Sunday World
Judge tells man whose partner died after festival drug use it is ‘one of the saddest cases'
The court heard that Mr Carroll and his girlfriend had attended the Forbidden Fruit festival on June 2, 2024, where they both consumed drugs A 24-year-old man whose partner died after they both took drugs following a music festival has avoided a conviction for simple possession, in what a judge described as "one of the saddest cases" to come before his court. The District Court was told that the defendant Brian Carroll has now made a commitment to living a "drug-free life". Mr Carroll, of Cedarmount Road, Mount Merrion, Co Dublin pleaded guilty to possession of MDMA and cannabis and appeared before Judge Conor Fottrell at Dún Laoghaire District Court on Wednesday. Stock image News in 90 Seconds - 7th June The court heard that Mr Carroll and his girlfriend had attended the Forbidden Fruit festival on June 2, 2024, where they both consumed drugs, while further substances were taken later at a house in south Dublin. The woman was found unresponsive later that night and died as a result. Mr Carroll had been in a relationship with the deceased for two and a half years. Gardaí who carried out a search of the house recovered cannabis worth €44, €16 of MDMA and a small quantity of cocaine. Garda Harry Poole told the court that the drugs were for personal use and were at the lower end of the scale. The court heard that Mr Carroll later voluntarily attended a garda station, gave a full account of what occurred and has not come to garda attention since. Judge Fottrell initially questioned whether the District Court had jurisdiction to hear the case, given the serious background circumstances. 'I appreciate the plea before the court today, but this is a serious matter,' he said. 'I'm not sure it's a District Court matter.' Defence solicitor Mark O'Sullivan said it was a tragic accident and argued that the case before the court concerned a minor possession matter. 'That's all the court is being asked to hear today,' he said. After considering the details, Judge Fottrell accepted jurisdiction. 'On the basis of what's before me, the circumstances are tragic. I'll accept jurisdiction.' Mr O'Sullivan told the court that Mr Carroll and the deceased had bought the drugs together, but the woman had taken more than his client. He said his client was fully cooperative, had no previous convictions, and had voluntarily presented himself to Gardaí. Letters were handed into court from Kilmacud Medical Centre and the Community Addiction Response Programme. The court heard Mr Carroll had engaged in trauma counselling following the incident, tested negative for drugs in recent months and remained in full-time employment. He had also volunteered with Little Flower Penny Dinners during the Covid-19 pandemic. The woman's father and sister were present in court. 'On behalf of my client, I extend our sympathies to the family,' Mr O'Sullivan said. 'Relations remain good between them. This was an absolute tragedy.' In a personal letter to the court, the man expressed remorse and a commitment to living a drug-free life. Judge Fottrell acknowledged the man's remorse, the steps he had taken since and the tragic nature of the case. 'This is a tragic case,' he said. 'The consequences were anything but minor. However, the value of the drugs involved is low, and there are no previous convictions". 'You've pleaded guilty, made full admissions, and taken meaningful steps since. I don't propose to impose a conviction. "This is one of the most unusual and saddest cases to come before the court. I hope you continue your recovery," the judge said, addressing the defendant. Judge Fottrell concluded the matter without a conviction, following a €1,000 charitable donation. Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.
Extra.ie
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
In Pics: Forbidden Fruit kicks off the festival season for 2025
Forbidden Fruit returned to the heart of the capital over the Bank Holiday Weekend. The start of the festival season kicked off in style at the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham. An electrifying mix of electronic, hip-hop and alternative acts filled this year's lineup. Khakikid performing at Forbidden Fruit. Pic: GMCD There were standout sets from Peggy Gou, Underworld, Jamie xx and Caribou as Forbidden Fruit celebrated its 11th year.
Extra.ie
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Fetsival-goers descend to Kilmainham for Forbidden Fruit
It's day two of Forbidden Fruit festival, which is taking place on the grounds of the Irish Museum of Modern Art, Royal Hospital Kilmainham. Gates opened at 2pm, with last entry at 9.30pm — and tickets are still available to purchase via Ticketmaster if you're looking for something to fill up your Bank Holiday Sunday. Attendees are reminded that only bags A4-size and smaller are permitted into the concert site, and they are subject to security checks on entry. Pic: Sasko Lazarov / © Pic: Sasko Lazarov / © Pic: Sasko Lazarov / © Pic: Sasko Lazarov / © The festival is now in its 11th year, with Saturday festival-goers seeing performances from Caribou, Mall Grab, Glass Beams, Effy and more. Sunday will see Dublin singer Jazzy take to the stage, as well as the iconic Underworld. Pic: Sasko Lazarov / © Pic: Sasko Lazarov / © Pic: Sasko Lazarov / © Pic: Sasko Lazarov / © South Korean DJ and singer-songwriter Peggy Gou also headlines on the second day of the festival which will be completely finished by 10.45pm. For those looking to party the night away following Forbidden Fruit there is plenty of activity happening in Dublin City Centre. Forbidden Fruit have urged all attendees that Kilmainham is a residential area, and 'respect the local community.' Organisers advise people to plan their journey home via Irish Rail; Dublin Bus or the Luas.
RTÉ News
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Ireland's top music festivals and gigs in summer 2025
Ireland's summer music season kicks off with Forbidden Fruit in Dublin this weekend, setting the tone for a packed calendar of festivals and headline concerts. From high-energy weekends to relaxed, artsy escapes, here's your essential guide to what's on across the country. Major Music Festivals in Ireland 2025 Forbidden Fruit Festival Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin Dates: Saturday 31 May - Sunday 1 June Who's playing: Jamie xx, Peggy Gou, Caribou, Underworld, Mall Grab, Glass Beams Why go: Ireland's first major festival of the summer blends electronic, indie and experimental sounds in a lush city-centre setting. Night and Day Festival Lough Key Forest Park, Roscommon Dates: Friday 27 - Sunday 29 June Who's playing: The Stunning, Paul Brady, KT Tunstall, José González, The Wailers, Lisa Hannigan Why go: A family-friendly event in a stunning lakeside setting, offering music, arts and wellness activities. The 150-foot Sol Stage, located atop Moylurg Tower, is a highlight. Longitude Festival Marlay Park, Dublin Dates: Saturday 5 - Sunday 6 July Who's playing: David Guetta, 50 Cent, Belters Only, Sonny Fodera, blk., Hannah Laing Why go: A high-energy festival focused on hip hop, dance and urban pop, popular with younger audiences and fans of chart-topping artists. Galway International Arts Festival Various venues, Galway City Dates: Monday 14 – Sunday 27 July Who's playing: Picture This, Mogwai, Sophie Ellis-Bextor & Natasha Bedingfield, The Mary Wallopers, Amble, Block Rockin Beats Why go: This multi-arts festival transforms Galway into a vibrant hub of creativity, featuring over 500 artists from around the globe. All Together Now Curraghmore Estate, Waterford Dates: Thursday 31 July - Sunday 3 August Who's playing: Nelly Furtado, Fontaines D.C., CMAT, Bicep presents CHROMA, London Grammar, Michael Kiwanuka Why go: A 21+ boutique festival that fuses music, art, food and wellness in a picturesque setting. Electric Picnic Stradbally Hall, Laois Dates: Friday 29 - Sunday 31 August Who's playing: Kings of Leon, Hozier, Sam Fender, Fatboy Slim, Becky Hill, Chappell Roan, Orla Gartland Why go: Ireland's biggest and most beloved festival returns with a heavyweight line-up and its signature mix of music, art and creativity. Major Summer Concerts in Ireland 2025 Macklemore St Anne's Park, Dublin - Wednesday, 4 June Virgin Media Park, Cork - Thursday, 5 June Support: Rudimental Why go: The Grammy-winning rapper brings his high-energy show to Dublin, performing hits like Thrift Shop and Can't Hold Us. Stereophonics - Stadium Anthems Tour St Anne's Park, Dublin - Friday, 6 June Virgin Media Park, Cork - Saturday, 7 June Why go: The Welsh rockers return with their first major tour in over three years, delivering a setlist packed with fan favourites and new material. The Corrs - Talk On Corners 2025 Tour Virgin Media Park, Cork - Friday, 6 June St Anne's Park, Dublin - Sunday, 8 June Guests: Imelda May, Natalie Imbruglia Why go: The Irish band reunites to perform classics from their bestselling album. Faithless - Ireland Underground Tour Troy Studios, Limerick - Friday, 6 June Millennium Forum, Derry - Saturday 7 June Why go: Sister Bliss and Rollo lead Faithless's return in a tribute to Maxi Jazz, with reimagined classics performed in unique venues. Neil Young & Crazy Horse - Love Earth World Tour Malahide Castle, Dublin Date: Thursday, 26 June Special guest: Van Morrison Why go: A rare chance to see the rock legend live, with support from a local icon. Duran Duran plus Nile Rodgers & CHIC Malahide Castle, Dublin - Monday, 30 June Virgin Media Park, Cork - Tuesday, 1 July Why go: Dance the night away to timeless hits from two music giants. Mumford & Sons - Rushmere Tour Malahide Castle, Dublin Date: Friday, 4 July Why go: The folk-rock favourites bring anthemic energy to the picturesque castle grounds. Oasis – Live '25 Reunion Tour Croke Park, Dublin Dates: Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 August Special guest: Richard Ashcroft Why go: The Gallagher brothers reunite for one of the most anticipated tours of the decade. Robbie Williams – Live 2025 Tour
