An enthusiastic young lady, donned in a pink tutu, incredulously questioned my distant parking arrangements during our search for a suitable camping spot at All Together Now. Though the walk from vehicle to campsite may be less strenuous compared to Electric Picnic, hauling tin cans stuffed bags across open fields could be the toughest part of the weekend, excluding the exhausting task of lugging belongings home post-festival, enduring poor hygiene and evident fatigue.
Presently, poncho-clad festival-goers navigate around rocky paths and uneven trails towards the ticket barriers. A mix of robust motivation and sharp-edged ribbing echoes past the barriers while the struggle to set up tents before inclement weather worsens. “If they aren’t helping us set up, tell them to bugger off,” a gentleman, holding more than the typical 24 tins, mumbling into his phone, making it clear he prefers assistance over company.
Over 25,000 attendees are predicted to gather at Curraghmore estate in Co Waterford for the three-day run of the fifth All Together Now. Campsites were bustling by Friday morning as a considerable amount of the crowd had arrived by Thursday to get their camp ready, open their cans, and secure their camping chairs before the inevitable frenzy.
There’s noticeable buzz surrounding the main performers. Although a sickness caused Róisín Murphy, Saturday’s star performer, to withdraw, the schedule remains packed. Jorja Smith, James Vincent McMorrow, The National, The Prodigy, and Future Islands lead the lineup, supported by international and Irish acts such as Confidence Man, The Mary Wallopers, The Scratch, Sprints, and Barry Can’t Swim.
Despite the onset of rain, spirits remain high in the soon-to-be-filled arena. One festival-goer, 26-year-old Caoimhe, vigorously shares her anticipation for Jorja Smith’s performance while donning her bright orange raincoat. She added, “This is my first time at All Together Now. I’ve only heard positive things.”
Laura’s friend is there for Barry Can’t Swim, she announces with a wide smile. The fame of the Scottish DJ, whose real name is Joshua Mainnie, has skyrocketed over the past year, leading to a massive crowd at his Glastonbury performance in June. His appearance at All Together Now is expected to attract equally large audiences.
A group of elated women celebrating a 30th birthday unanimously approve of Natasha Bedingfield. “Unwritten was the anthem for my high school graduation,” one woman shares, the memory seeming as fresh as today. Her companion also expresses her anticipation for the nostalgia Bedingfield will undoubtedly bring. “I attended the Sugababes performance at All Together Now last year – an absolute thrill. Kudos to whoever arranged her performance, appreciate it!”
Maniac 2000 echoes across the campsite, a true mark of an Irish festival, successfully brining together a diverse group of attendees – from children and youths to seasoned festival-goers. A father wearing a proud smile pushes a trolley with his two-year-old daughter Leia, complete with noise-cancelling headphones, past a group of teenage boys dancing around a flag that signifies Mr Worldwide Pitbull, technobeats emanating from their speakers. The boys show a sign of respect with a nod of their imaginary caps as the youngster rolls by, a celebrity in her own right.
Given the vibe so far, the All Together Now festival in 2024 is set to be packed with heartwarming interactions, thrilling musical performances and our classic British humour, evidence of yet another memorable year.