Singer-songwriter, Sarami, pictured with Aoife the dog, in a 1950s setting, as she arrives to rehearse for her acoustic session.

The thousand campervan and music lovers that will descend on this year’s Vantastival over the June bank holiday weekend will enjoy unplugged performances from some of the Festival’s main line-up when the hugely successful Firestone Music Tour visits Ireland for the first time. The Tour is hosting the acoustic stage at Vantastival, which takes place on 3rd and 4th June at Beaulieu House and Gardens, Drogheda!

Pictured in rehearsal for her performance on Saturday is singer-songwriter, Saramai whose unique vocals are described as “reminiscent of a 1920's jazz club chanteuse, and at other times, power-pop.” Her band’s sound is said to have echoes of Kate Bush mixed with indie rock group, Low by way of dream pop band, Beach House. They play the Firestone Music Station on Saturday night, 4th June.

The Firestone Music Tour already features at key festivals around Europe including Primavera Sound (Barcelona), Hurricane (Hamburg), Postepay Sound Rock (Rome) and Download (Donington, England). At Vantastival, the ‘Firestone Music Station’ will feature unplugged performances from acts including Saint Sister, Jinx Lennon, Saramai, The Bonnevilles, Swords and Elm and Elephant. A host of local acts from Drogheda and beyond will also be given the opportunity to perform.

Open mic sessions and comedy sets will also feature in the Firestone area which will have the aesthetic of a 1930s Route 66 gas station. “We look forward to seeing a host of talented music acts on our stage at Vantastival,” says Colm Conyngham of Firestone Ireland, “The Festival is the perfect setting for Firestone to launch our Music Tour in Ireland.” The Firestone VW van will be the centre for competitions and giveaways with headphones, luminous bands and hats up for grabs.

Picture Fran Caffrey / Newfile