Shakefest is back at Charleville Castle

Shakefest 2009 World Cultures and Fair Day chairty event is back at Charleville Castle in Tullamore for its fourth exciting year and also hosts "PeaceZone" - artists and musicians alike gathering crowds of people willing to become actively involved in progressing peace on an international level. ShakeFest 2009 is an innovative and diverse festival that will take place on the June bank holiday weekend from May 29 to June 1. Whether you are into reggae or rock, indie or dance there is something here for you. The festival incorporates energy, movement and dance with workshops, stalls and music. This year marks a milestone and major growth as Shakefest in its fourth year and welcomes a variety of over 20 dance and culture workshops between 11am-6pm. Workshops include six different specialty bellydance workshops for the Middle Eastern dance enthusiast plus an exciting variety of multi-cultural dance and artistic workshops for all including dazzling Brazilian Samba, Salsa and Flamenco workshops for those with a flair for international dance. Charleville Castle is also pleased to host Tullamore"s own Stagecraft Ireland with its Introduction to Circus Skills and Stilt Walking workshops as well as Wassa Wassa Percussion African Dance and Drum workshops. Wassa Wassa were participants in this year"s Tullamore St Patrick"s Day Parade and wowed the street crowds with their energy, moves and vitality. The healing area is returning in the big tent full of services to soothe and comfort as well as a colourful mix of market stalls complete with Indian and Egyptian clothing, gorgeous bellydance costumes and accessories, jewelry and gorgeous henna tattooing. Psychic Tarot card readings will also be available and is back by popular demand. Friday night will have campers arriving and settling into life at the castle (gates open 6pm) or if they prefer they can arrive on Saturday morning to the vibrant fair and festivities. Saturday, May 30, is bigger and better this year to suit every dance and culture enthusiast - this year the festival also introduces Street Dance and Hip Hop for Adults, Gypsy Skirt Dances, captivating Burlesque, Disco Moves, Tribal Bellydance, ISIS Wings and using Double Veils in dances to name a few. A special workshop day pass is offered that includes a choice of three workshops and includes entry fee and camping - there"s something for everyone! Workshops will also be available for drop-in attendees at individual prices on the day. Individual entrance fees are €10 per adult and also a family pass (up to two adults and three children) for only €20! The weekend also hosts cultural children"s workshops on Saturday May 30 such as Children"s Basic Circus Skills in the Circus tent at 12pm, Street Dance/HipHop at 1:30pm and kid"s Bellydance Workshop at 3pm all operating for one hour each. There is also a special package price of €25 for all three workshops for children ages 6-12 including their entrance fee. Saturday from 3pm will see individuals of many different backgrounds such as returned volunteers, musicians, artists, returned aid workers or simply partisans of a better world are invited to join up and 'come camp for peace' in the beautiful surroundings of Charleville Castle in Tullamore. Membership to PeaceZone is only €10 and gives entrance to Shakefest"s many activities and one night free camping within the castle grounds. New members are also welcome to join at the gate and camp on the Friday (gates open at 6pm) or arrive Saturday - the fair and workshops begin at 11:30am, and PeaceZone is officially launched at 3pm. Peace speakers and open discussions on related issues will be taking place as well as featured organising artists performing throughout the day and evening such as Reggae legend Erik Noon and the Future Gypsies, Ska band The Bionic Rats, Singer Songwriter Lauren Guillery, Oliver Cole and special guest Leanne Harte, Meteor Award nominee. Crowds will also be treated to a Bellydance and Fire Show with Stagecraft Ireland, The Red Embers and Starfire Circus Bellydance Troupes. The camping facilities are some of the best as festival standards go with hot showers and toilets that are plentiful and functioning! Sunday morning will allow for barbeques and relaxation as things wind down. There is the option to stay Sunday night for €10 extra but it is up to each individual camper. So please come along, enjoy and show your support to Shakefest 2009, join in the laid back atmosphere, camp under the stars on the fairytale - like castle grounds and be part of something different! Book workshops and package prices ahead of time or check full price list on www.shakefest.net or on the day at the gate - PeaceZone entrance memberships are available at the door - gates close 10pm - there is no bar - it is bring your own alcohol within reason and just declare the amount during entry into the festivities. There will also be safe storage facilities on site for participants to store their valuables.