Shannon Heritage Launches a new weekend of events this summer in King Johns Castle, Limerick.

From Shakespeare to Rock- King John’s Castle is the setting for superb outdoor entertainment

Shannon Heritage is launching a new weekend of events at King John’s Castlein Limerick City this summer. Shannon Heritage, the Shannon Development tourism subsidiary, will host a musical, theatrical and cultural weekend programme at King John’s Castle from the 20th -22nd of July ‘07.

“We are delighted to be bringing this event to Limerick City. King John’s Castle is a superb venue right in the heart of the city. Over the years we have had wonderful events in the Castle including the Frames. We anticipate these events will lead to other activities and events in future at King John’s Castle and Limerick City and will help to draw crowds from all over the region and the country to the City,” says John King, Heritage and Tourism Director, Shannon Development.

“The events will embrace a myriad of entertainment designed to cater for a variety of cultural and musical tastes. We are confident it will contribute to Limerick’s growing reputation as a cultural and musical destination. We would hope to continue to use King Johns Castle for further events in the future and would encourage event promoters to contact us if they are looking for locations for outdoor events,” says John Ruddle, Chief Executive, Shannon Heritage.

Entitled, ‘Summer Nights at King John’s Castle’, the Programme will commence with a theatrical performance at 7.30 pm on Friday 20th July, by Chapterhouse Theatre Company. For the past seven years, Chapterhouse has built a highly respected reputation for presenting splendid productions in the gardens and surrounds of some of the most magnificent castles, heritage sites and country houses across Ireland and the UK.

This year the Company intends to enthral and entertain Irish audiences with their open air rendition of William Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Nights Dream’ at King John’s Castle. This beautifully dressed Elizabethan production will feature a large cast and an enchanting musical score set to Shakespeare’s wonderful verse.

Their open air style of theatre is the ideal way to pass a lazy summer’s evening with family or friends. As part of a truly memorable experience the audience are encouraged to bring their own picnic, complete with chairs, or picnic blankets, to the Castle to add to the atmosphere and enhance their enjoyment of the evening. The castle will be open at 6.45pm on the night for picnics.

On Saturday 21st July at 9.00 pm the Riverside Swing Band will perform at the Tavern at the Castle. This event is being organised by Masterchefs and there will be no cover charge. Fourteen men and women make up the band, and are originally from Limerick City. The band was first formed in 2002 in a response to a revival and continuing interest in the big bands music and songs of swing era. Bandleader Ger Cusack and Jane Frazer, the female vocalist, strut their stuff out front while solo players stand to weave their impromptu spells. Behind them the men in tuxedos swing the night away.

Riverside Swing Band offer a mix of swing, jazz and rock n roll music guaranteed to get feet tapping and hearts racing in a night of show-stopping moves and grooves.

The weekend will step up a gear on Sunday 22nd July, with a hard-hitting and rock ‘til you drop concert in King John’s Castle by heavy metal legends, Diamond Head. The band will be joined by guest artists: The X Brother (USA); We’re All Gonna Die (USA); and Soloway. This event is being organised by Limerick man Dr. Michael Conway in aid of Childhood Leukaemia. The Concert will start at 7.00 pm. From the West Midlands of England, it’s been 30 years since Diamond Head was formed by guitarist Brian Tatler.

With their music described by many in a heavy metal music industry as having “more riffs than the entire Black Sabbath back catalogue” and by Lars Ulrich, drummer with the infamous Metallica, who describes himself as “their number one fan” and acknowledges that they are at least 50% of the influence on his band, there is no doubt this hugely influential and highly talented band will take King John’s Castle by storm this July.

With 80’s hits such as ‘Am I Evil?’ , ‘ Lighting to the Nations’, ‘This Planet Is Me’ and ‘Mine All Mine’, Diamond Head are revved up to rock in Ireland this year. With music ranging from Black Sabbath to more mercurial sounds of Led Zeppelin, Diamond Head’s performance should not be missed by any true heavy metal fan.

Tickets for ‘A Mid Summer Nights Dream’ cost €15.00 for adults; student and children €10.00; a €35.00 family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) is available, and parties of 8 or more will cost €13.00. Tickets for this event are available from Shannon Heritage on 061- 366078; from King John’s Castle, Limerick, Adare and Ennis Tourist Information Offices. Tickets will be available on the night, but advance booking is advised.

Tickets for Diamond Head cost €25.00 and must be purchased in advance from either www.tickets.ie or Music Lane, Foxes Bow, off William Street, Limerick. For more information on this event and other events with Shannon Heritage, check out www.shannonheritage.com.