Although we have acres of room here at Hilton Park, we feel that this unique sense of space and conviviality is what the festival is all about. Just aimlessly packing punters in goes against everything the Flat Lake has been built upon.

None of this would be possible without the huge volunteer help that contributes to the success of this little treasure of a festival. It's the commitment of so many that has secured a growing loyal following of guests who simply want something different to anything out there on the ubiquitous summer festival scene.

We therefore have no intention of expanding our capacity beyond what we had last year - but securing your ticket on-line guarantees that you'll get in.... and really, seriously helps us keep an eye on our very, very tight budget.

If you're able to, pitching your tent for the whole weekend really is the way to go. Just drive in, whack your tent up and enjoy... no need to throw a wobbler about whose going to drive home ... and there's no better place to wake up under canvas... great breakfasts are available on site, take a walk in the grounds of Johnny and Lucy Madden's magnificent home, relax and get ready for another day of spectacular entertainment.  And for Christ's sake BRING YOUR KIDS...this is a paradise for the pups ..... if they're under 12 they get in free.

Anyway, here we go again. The site will now be updated on a fairly regular basis...also follow us on Twitter and the deliriously virused Face book.

... and don't forget to get into Captain Butty's regular blogs along the way. They are worth the booking fee alone.

And lastly and by no means leastly ....With many, many thanks to Monaghan County Council ...and especially to Somhairle MacConghail and his staff at the Monaghan Arts Office.