Something for everyone at multi-genre Dergfest music festival!

THE town of Castlederg will once again come alive this weekend as Dergfest make its welcome annual return.

The homegrown music festival, which has by now become a staple in the local entertainment calendar, will take place over three action-packed nights, with fans of country, dance and classic rock all catered for!

The much-anticipated event will once again take place 'undercover' within the festival's 'big top' tent, ensuring an unforgettable experience whatever the weather.

This fantastic centre-piece of the festival, which made its debut last year, allows for improved production, first-class lighting and effects, and of course, shelter from the summer showers - which as anyone from Castlederg will know, are never far away.

The much-anticipated event takes place from Friday until Monday, at the established venue of Castle Park Castlederg, which once more promises to bring some of the biggest names in the music scene the town.

DergFest has been running since 2015, save for taking a break in 2020 due to the pandemic. Previous headliners include UB40, Westlife’s Shane Filan, Judge Jules, Toploader, Chesney Hawkes, Dave Pearce, Mundy and many more!

The 2023 festival will kick off in fine style on Friday, with Castlederg's very own The Logues taking to the stage, as well as headliner, Johnny Brady.

The Logues, which is made up of five talented musicians from Castlederg, have an immense local following having sprang to worldwide acclaim from humble beginnings in the Townhouse Venue, Castlederg.

And while the local lads have played shows across the globe they haven't forgotten their roots, and following a sell-out performance in the Townhouse on Boxing Night, are looking forward to once again delighting fans in their hometown.

Joining them will be firm country favourite Johnny Brady, who remains one of the most distinctive voices in modern country music.

Known for his powerful vocals, energetic performances and charismatic personality, Johnny has a unique sound and is continually pushing the boundaries in a new generation of Irish country music Artists.

Also on Friday, rising country star Jamie Donnelly will take to the Dergfest stage, all the way from Strabane. Amid what has been a stunning rise into the limelight in recent years, Jamie is no stranger to the spotlight.

With voice that captivates hearts, audiences are sure ready to be mesmerized by her remarkable talent and unforgettable performance.

On Saturday night, the musical tone of the festival will shift to dance and rave, when Castlederg welcomes the extraordinary Darren Styles to create a world of happiness and pure musical bliss at Dergfest.

With his unique style, the dance music veteran and hitmaker is set to ignite the stage and bring the crowd to life.

Joining Darren Styles is club royalty, Ultrabeat. The cult group, first emerged with their cover of the Force & Styles song "Pretty Green Eyes", which peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart 2003.

They released further singles including top forty hits such as "Feelin' Fine", "Better than Life" and "Elysium (I Go Crazy)".

Also performing on the night is renowned dance DJ, Andy Whitby, winner of Best DJ, Best Resident and Best Album multiple times at the Hard Dance Awards, and has regular contributor on BBC Radio 1.

Well-known artists Iain Redman & McCover, Phil Makintosh and Keil Young complete what is sure to be an unforgettable line-up on the night.

On Sunday night, another change in genre will be experienced at Dergfest, with a stunning lineup set to delight fans of Queen, Abba, U2 and more!

Audiences are invited into a world of enchantment and let Perfect Illusion mesmerize the, with their beautiful tribute to the queen of pop, Lady Gaga!

Also under the 'big top' on Sunday will be Europe's number one Queen tribute, 'Qween - It’s a Kinda Queen', who take to the stage for a massive catalogue of hits.

Europe's most authentic Queen tribute act will be joined by special guests on the night will be Battle and Hun (A tribute to U2), The Bjorn Identity (Abba tribute). This is a night not to be missed!

Finally, Dergfest will end on a high note with 'Teenfest', which is a special night for young people aged 13 to 18. The event promises to be the ultimate music extravaganza for young music lovers who will have the opportunity to groove to the beats, sing their heart out, and create memories that will last a lifetime!

Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.dergfest.co.uk, or buy direct from the four organising Bars, Micky Joes, Logues, The Derg Arms and the Townhouse Venue.

Dergfest is supported by Supported by Greg Mitchell Motors, McKelvey Construction and Castle Glass. Associated with Tennents NI, Derry City & Strabane Council.