THE second Mannifest music festival begins this afternoon (Friday) at Glen Lough Farm in Glen Vine.

With eight stages and three days of bands, DJs and entertainment, the festival runs each day from 12 noon until midnight.

A statement fro the organisers says, “Mannifest is a family orientated event with an emphasis on promoting and inspiring community creativity and respect for our unique and beautiful environment.

“Young local talent will have their own platform to perform in association with Soundcheck and Youth Re-unite, The Play People will provide a Circus Space for kids and adults, there will be a dedicated healing area , workshops, films, poetry and much more.”

Numerous acts have been announced for the extravaganza and one of the many highlights will be Alabama 3. Fresh from a support slot with Bob Dylan and headline slots at Glastonbury and several European festivals, the band will be playing an “unplugged” acoustic show.

The band, whose music has featured in TV show The Sopranos and film Gone in 60 Seconds, have eeked out a reputation for hard working and hard playing.

Alabama 3 will top the bill for the Sunday of Mannifest which also sees The Very Very Bad Men,The Moon Band (UK) Anna Goldsmith, Truman Falls and Felix Ngindu on the bill.

Stage times and all confirmed acts are now on the official Mannifest site www.mannifestlive.com and at Triskel Promotions site www.triskelpromo.com

Meanhwile, police have reminded festival goers to “have fun and be safe” by drinking in moderation, look out for thieves and not to bring illegal drugs onto the site.

Inspector William Campbell said that police dogs will be operating throughout the three days of the festival and issued a straight-talking warning: “You will get caught.”

The festival will mean an increase in vehicles and pedestrians using the Glenlough campsite entrance at the top of the Ballahutchin.  A temporary 30mph speed limit, similar to TT, will be in force for the duration of the event for the safety of all concerned.

He added, “I would ask motorists to take extra care, particularly during the evening when festival goers may be exiting the site or crossing the road”.  

Police are also asking drivers attending the festival to use the official car park within the campsite, as parking will be restricted in the nearby housing estates.

•  For ticket outlets see www.mannifestlive.com/ticketinfo.html