The lack of "big" events in Limerick

vkid

Curious as to why this is still the case. Take for example the Ed Sheeran gigs. Now i have no interest in Ed, or his music but there is 9 concerts in Ireland next year and not one in Limerick.

There is not one decent festival throughout the year ( not counting Riverfest as I think it is well and truly past its sell by date and is really poor as a flagship festival....this year included), the gigs in the Milk Market and King Johns castle can hardly be counted as major events ( The Coronas and Hermitage Green are hardly big superstars and have played here loads).

It is not a lack of venues - Thomond Park, Gaelic Grounds, King Johns etc. Its 2013 since there was last a decent name in Thomond. (Bruce Springsteen - full house)

Any input into what the problem is? Is it a lack of interest from thomond Park and others, lack of interest from promoters like Aiken and MCD, or is it just the lack of the council /ano being able to sell the city as a destination or being supportive of this kind of event?

dashoonage

Too many 10 millions for the city to handle

Insect Overlord

The trouble of being half way between Cork and Galway, I reckon. One covers the south, the other the West.

bazz26

If there was enough demand and money to be made from it then I think it would be done.

dominatinMC

To be fair, Kasabian played the Milk Market a few years ago, and went on to headline Glastonbury a few weeks later! Primal Scream played the same venue last year. Both were great gigs! Imelda May was in King Johns last year too. But, I know what you mean in that we're not really getting big "mainstream" acts (not that I'd personally have any interest in going to most of them). I guess that it's down to the promoters, as in the case of Kasabian and Primal Scream, it was Dolans who organised them. I'm guessing it's the likes of MCD/Aiken who would be responsible for Ed Sheeran/Coldplay/etc., and it appears that they don't see a market in Limerick.

vkid

dominatinMC wrote:

To be fair, Kasabian played the Milk Market a few years ago, and went on to headline Glastonbury a few weeks later! Primal Scream played the same venue last year. Both were great gigs! Imelda May was in King Johns last year too. But, I know what you mean in that we're not really getting big "mainstream" acts (not that I'd personally have any interest in going to most of them). I guess that it's down to the promoters, as in the case of Kasabian and Primal Scream, it was Dolans who organised them. I'm guessing it's the likes of MCD/Aiken who would be responsible for Ed Sheeran/Coldplay/etc., and it appears that they don't see a market in Limerick.

But yet they sell out thomond for Bruce Springsteen and did very well in the likes of pink, Elton John etc. The only real dud in thomond was Bob Dylan which was an appalling gig anyway. He was really bad and generally is live these days. Was at primal scream and enjoyed it but it was a Tuesday night in the freezing depths of winter.. outdoors. Wouldn't go again to something like that tbh. Imelda may is not a big event...nor is Gavin James or the saw doctors. Not taking away from Dolan's efforts.

I'm not just talking about concerts though, there is no festival of note, no real events of note. Even Waterford has bigger events.

How do people expect to get tourists/ people to Limerick if there is absolutely nothing on. Even the Gaelic grounds is bypassed for major Gaa games...and with pairc ui caoimh now done that will only get worse.

Treepole

vkid wrote: »

But yet they sell out thomond for Bruce Springsteen and did very well in the likes of pink, Elton John etc. The only real dud in thomond was Bob Dylan which was an appalling gig anyway. He was really bad and generally is live these days. Was at primal scream and enjoyed it but it was a Tuesday night in the freezing depths of winter.. outdoors. Wouldn't go again to something like that tbh. Imelda may is not a big event...nor is Gavin James or the saw doctors. Not taking away from Dolan's efforts.

I'm not just talking about concerts though, there is no festival of note, no real events of note. Even Waterford has bigger events.

How do people expect to get tourists/ people to Limerick if there is absolutely nothing on. Even the Gaelic grounds is bypassed for major Gaa games...and with pairc ui caoimh now done that will only get worse.

The simple fact of the matter is if the promoters think they will make money they will do it. Gigs in Limerick are seen as too much of a risk.

Insect Overlord

The Gaelic Grounds needs a huge amount of work to bring it up to standard, or at least the old stand side does. I did a lot of stewarding there when I was younger and it was always nuts. The stiles and passageway and toilet facilities were passed their use-by date a while back.

vkid

vkid wrote:

How do people expect to get tourists/ people to Limerick if there is absolutely nothing on. Even the Gaelic grounds is bypassed for major Gaa games...and with pairc ui caoimh now done that will only get worse.

Again, not focussing on just gigs. If for example riverfest is the height of limericks ambitions then it really is all the one...or maybe that's just me. Riverfest in Dublin is a much younger festival and yet a huge step above a fairground and a few food stalls in Arthur's quay.

bigpink

I was at a gig in Trinity College the other night.Very good set up and not huge could easily be done here

bigpink

Dolans have too much control or say in Limerick events.

Insect Overlord

bigpink wrote: »

Dolans have too much control or say in Limerick events.

Who else is doing anything to bring in the talent though? You make it sound like they're some sort of evil monopoly, but they do a fine job with the acts they do bring in.

Flannery's new place might start to give them a bit of competition when it's ready.

bigpink

They do a good job but the milk market and johns castle should be have more gigs in them for the summer months
They are good well in with local authority.I know this because people i know had an event all ready to go and it was pulled last minute make of that what you will.
Yes Flannerys might be a good option suppose they are copying Dolans warehouse idea.Jerry Flannery is involed in joe.ie and i notice they are pushing alot of irish artists on there sites

Irish_rat

dominatinMC wrote: »

But, I know what you mean in that we're not really getting big "mainstream" acts (not that I'd personally have any interest in going to most of them)

Not many international alternative acts show up here either. Frightened Rabbit were fantastic though and Future Islands was a good coup. However more should be added.

Exeggcute

When it comes to events and entertainment Limerick is a pretty boring city in comparison to the others.

You only have to look at the backslapping after Riverfest this year to see how low the barrier is set.

OfTheMarsWongs

Let's not forget Pig N Porter this weekend. Spread across Old Crescent and UL this year. Draws people from around the country & abroad.

vkid

OfTheMarsWongs wrote:

Let's not forget Pig N Porter this weekend. Spread across Old Crescent and UL this year. Draws people from around the country & abroad.

Hardly a big event though is it?

vkid

Exeggcute wrote:

You only have to look at the backslapping after Riverfest this year to see how low the barrier is set.

Exactly. Is that the limit of what Limerick can expect? A fun fair and a few food stalls..and a fashion show in a shopping center. Its village fete type standard. Its very poor for a city of limericks size and it's all there is?

Toffeeboy

I think riverfest would be finished by now if it weren't for the great limerick run. I guess the half way between cork and Galway is an issue also. Limerick national culture city with the big granny was a success. We just need lots of money and low risk for the outsider entrepreneurs

topcat72

Did the Gaelic Grounds not get permission ( circa 2009) for large scale summer concerts, and never held one? Residents problems?

Treepole

topcat72 wrote: »

Did the Gaelic Grounds not get permission ( circa 2009) for large scale summer concerts, and never held one? Residents problems?

Same reasons Thomond Park doesnt have any gigs, promoters don't want to take the risk of holding gigs that size in Limerick. It doesn't make much sense for them to. There are serious costs in setting up the shows, so if a major artist is coming to Ireland it's cheaper to do two shows in Dublin than to do one in Dublin and then move everything for another show in Limerick.

PetKing

vkid wrote:

Any input into what the problem is? Is it a lack of interest from thomond Park and others, lack of interest from promoters like Aiken and MCD, or is it just the lack of the council /ano being able to sell the city as a destination or being supportive of this kind of event?

From what I'd heard,Thomond have no real interest in pursuing these types of events.

bigpink wrote:

Dolans have too much control or say in Limerick events.

Do they? You could say they are proactive in holding and managing events beyond the confines of the warehouse. They have the setup to pop up where and when they want, you can't fault them for being the only ones stepping up to the mark.

I wish Flannerys the very best of luck in their endeavour. It's the public who'll benefit if they offer a good rivalling setup to Dolan's to entice acts to the city.

vkid

How about 3 in Cork, 2 in galway, 3 in Dublin and 1 in Belfast...a la Ed Sheeran.

And drive past limerick on your way.

Jofspring

Shouldn't being between Galway and Cork benefit us rather than hinder us? If a big enough act was to play Limerick again we could draw people from Galway, Cork, Tipperary, Clare and Kerry as we are a short distance/central for all 5.

bennyl10

Ed Sheeran looked at Limerick instead of one of the cork day's..
But due to a potential pro 12 play off the weekend of munster were unable to allow the gig to go ahead..

Aside from that thoigh, riverfest could do something like Live at the Marquee, quote easily in fact, but as said above, Dolans have too much pull in this city..

Mc Love

vkid wrote: »

Hardly a big event though is it?

It is the world's largest tag rugby festival, that's big on a world scale

testicles

This post has been deleted.

vkid

Interesting, at least they are trying I suppose- http://www.limerickleader.ie/news/sport/259584/limerick-vow-to-continue-to-get-games-and-concerts-for-gaelic-grounds.html
I would imagine Thomond Park would also surely be open to concerts and the like. They have a debt to pay off, so should be seeking any income.

FitzElla

Ireland is a small country and while Limerick might well be able to sell out big events, from a promoter's point of view why would they take a risk when other locations are much less risk because they offer a bigger market:

Population (2016)
Dublin: 1.2 million
Cork city: 542k
Galway: 258k
Limerick: 194k

I wouldn't say it is more complicated then that tbh.

jonski

I'd say they have left it too late , they should have positioned themselves as the hub for the west/southwest . Concerts in Dublin servicing that side of the country and concerts in Limerick servicing Cork/Limerick/Galway . It would have taken a bit of foresight but it makes perfect sense ( granted probably only to me but thats whats important ) Bands would then only have to shift once and then fly out from Shannon .

The main advantages of this would be ......... me not having to stay up until 3 in the morning to collect my shower off the bus .

vkid

FitzElla wrote: »

Ireland is a small country and while Limerick might well be able to sell out big events, from a promoter's point of view why would they take a risk when other locations are much less risk because they offer a bigger market:

Population (2016)
Dublin: 1.2 million
Cork city: 542k
Galway: 258k
Limerick: 194k

I wouldn't say it is more complicated then that tbh.

Where are you getting those figures. Cork city does not have that population, nor does Galway or Limerick. County populations maybe, but realitically due to geographical spread, mean little.

L.T.P.

Population.JPG

According to CSO statistics 2016 the population of Cork City & County is 542868, Limerick City & County 194,899, Galway City & County 258058.

Might explain why we're down the pecking order a bit for large events...

bigpink

Racecourse could be used also

FitzElla

vkid wrote: »

Where are you getting those figures. Cork city does not have that population, nor does Galway or Limerick. County populations maybe, but realitically due to geographical spread, mean little.

As above ^, they are 2016 census figures for city and county. I know they are not perfect, and the geographical spread is hard to account for, but even with that Limerick is a long way behind Dublin and Cork for population. Alongside that Limerick city gets less tourism then Galway, Cork, or Dublin, so again the seasonal market is smaller in comparison.

All means the big promotors are likely to look elsewhere unless Limerick can offer something else, whether it is cheaper venues, better infrastructure, or some other factor to compete with the larger more established locations. Without someone championing that in Limerick I don't see much change anytime soon...

Cookiemunster

FitzElla wrote: »

As above ^, they are 2016 census figures for city and county. I know they are not perfect, and the geographical spread is hard to account for, but even with that Limerick is a long way behind Dublin and Cork for population. Alongside that Limerick city gets less tourism then Galway, Cork, or Dublin, so again the seasonal market is smaller in comparison.

All means the big promotors are likely to look elsewhere unless Limerick can offer something else, whether it is cheaper venues, better infrastructure, or some other factor to compete with the larger more established locations. Without someone championing that in Limerick I don't see much change anytime soon...

When talking about Limerick you have to (due to the citys location) include Clare and North Tipp in it's catchment area. It's way too simplistic to look just at county boundaries.

FitzElla

Cookiemunster wrote: »

When talking about Limerick you have to (due to it the citys location) include Clare and North Tipp in it catchment area. It's way too simplistic to look just at county boundaries.

I agree it is simplistic, but you can add in whatever counties you want and Dublin and Cork are still bigger markets at a national level. Unless Limerick brings something (or someone) else to the table, the big events will follow the customers money.

vkid

County population means feck all really. Galway and Cork are very spread out and much larger area wise. Charleville for example is closer to limerick than it is to Cork City. Very few decisions are based on county population. Its meaningless really.

Cork is a bigger city ...thats a given.

Galway being more developed tourism wise is also a given...but its the result of hard work on the cities behalf.

However, as I've said before, there is more to big events than concerts and outside promoters.

Galway and Cork run their own festivals, very successfully that have a strong national profile..the Jazz, Live at the Marquee, The Galway Arts festival, The Galway Races, The Galway Comedy festival and a load more

Even Waterford has the Daytripper festival, Spraoi, their Winterval etc.

Kilkenny, a big town really has the Cats Laughs and Kilkenomics. Both with national profile and very successful.

These are not all dependant on large promoters in Dublin or anywhere else. The cities are very active in supporting and developing these because they know it brings business in.

Limerick has Riverfest and it is p!ss poor. There isn't even a decent Christmas market in Limerick.
There is absolutely nothing on for the summer...peak tourist season and nothing.

We won't solve it here I suppose, I just find it mad to say the least that the city council and the businesses in the city just couldnt be arsed or are afraid to do something like happens in most other places...Its them that would reap the rewards.

sleepyman

vkid wrote: »

County population means feck all really. Galway and Cork are very spread out and much larger area wise. Charleville for example is closer to limerick than it is to Cork City. Very few decisions are based on county population. Its meaningless really.

Cork is a bigger city ...thats a given.

Galway being more developed tourism wise is also a given...but its the result of hard work on the cities behalf.

However, as I've said before, there is more to big events than concerts and outside promoters.

Galway and Cork run their own festivals, very successfully that have a strong national profile..the Jazz, Live at the Marquee, The Galway Arts festival, The Galway Races, The Galway Comedy festival and a load more

Even Waterford has the Daytripper festival, Spraoi, their Winterval etc.

Kilkenny, a big town really has the Cats Laughs and Kilkenomics. Both with national profile and very successful.

These are not all dependant on large promoters in Dublin or anywhere else. The cities are very active in supporting and developing these because they know it brings business in.

Limerick has Riverfest and it is p!ss poor. There isn't even a decent Christmas market in Limerick.
There is absolutely nothing on for the summer...peak tourist season and nothing.

We won't solve it here I suppose, I just find it mad to say the least that the city council and the businesses in the city just couldnt be arsed or are afraid to do something like happens in most other places...Its them that would reap the rewards.

Hit the nail on the head.Yet we'll still have the leader and local politicians congratulating themselves on Riverfest.I mentioned it before but a decent size indoor venue would help although the powers that be are pretty hapless at attracting acts despite having the Gaelic Grounds/Thomond.

How many does King Johns hold?I always thought it's a bit under-utilised.Maybe a music festival incorporating a no of venues around the city.I don't know-something needs to register on a national scale.The lack of tourists for a city the size of Limerick is shocking though.Why can't they have something similar to Bunratty in King Johns?

goochy

What are you on those population figures are for counties not cities. Bantry for instance is a long way from cork city

zetalambda

bennyl10 wrote: »

Ed Sheeran looked at Limerick instead of one of the cork day's..
.

Is that right Mr. Aiken?

seachto7

vkid wrote: »

Kilkenny, a big town really has the Cats Laughs and Kilkenomics. Both with national profile and very successful.

Not forgetting their arts festival and they rhytym and roots festival.

I don't know what it is in Limerick. The city centre is never appealing anytime I'm back. It just doesn't do it. Like it's too spread out or something. I don't know.
I don't think there's a whole lot to do for tourists in the city bar an afternoon or a day. The surrounding countryside is where it's at for me.

Jofspring

The only decent thing to do in town in Limerick is a night out. Seems to be becoming more popular with hens and stags. Outside of that most good things happen in the suburbs or the countryside.

pigtown

Jofspring wrote: »

The only decent thing to do in town in Limerick is a night out. Seems to be becoming more popular with hens and stags. Outside of that most good things happen in the suburbs or the countryside.

I know we all have different tastes but this is a bit unfair. The Hunt Museum is currently showing a collection of Yates' and Henry's paintings, which I'm looking forward to seeing, and Angela's Ashes the musical is tonight finishing up a hugely successful two week run in the Limetree.

I think a large part of the issue is that people don't bother seeking out things to do. I went to the IFI screenings at the Belltable last week for the first time and it was a great show that I wouldn't have seen in a regular cinema, or even on the TV. It's every Monday night for €8 and some of the shows that they have coming up look very interesting.

bennyl10

zetalambda wrote: »

Is that right Mr. Aiken?

Ha ha. Hadihaha
It's what was being said in and around Thomond anyway.. the internal grapevine isn't usually too wrong..
and seeing as Ed last year actually said Limerick was being looked at.. seems to make sense no? But whatever.

Not entirely relevant to this thread, but at least it shows all isn't completely lost.

Jofspring

pigtown wrote: »

I know we all have different tastes but this is a bit unfair. The Hunt Museum is currently showing a collection of Yates' and Henry's paintings, which I'm looking forward to seeing, and Angela's Ashes the musical is tonight finishing up a hugely successful two week run in the Limetree.

I think a large part of the issue is that people don't bother seeking out things to do. I went to the IFI screenings at the Belltable last week for the first time and it was a great show that I wouldn't have seen in a regular cinema, or even on the TV. It's every Monday night for €8 and some of the shows that they have coming up look very interesting.

Fair enough the hunt museaum and belltable are is right in town but the limetree for me would be considered more suburbs. You wouldn't be down town O'Connell St, William St area and stroll up to the limetree for a show. It's too far. A limetree size theatre in the heart of town would be excellent.

There is still a hell of a lot more to do outside of the city centre than there is in the city centre and that's the problem.

seachto7

Jofspring wrote: »

The only decent thing to do in town in Limerick is a night out. Seems to be becoming more popular with hens and stags. Outside of that most good things happen in the suburbs or the countryside.

If your idea of a night out isn't getting plastered drunk, then what? (I know, there are gigs, plays, etc, but things get narrowed down a bit, but that's Ireland I suppose)

pigtown

Maybe people could post some activities they would like to go to and perhaps others could let them know the best/closet place for said activity is?

To borrow a phrase from someone I follow on twitter; If you go to things there will be more things

enterprise2017

vkid wrote: »

Curious as to why this is still the case. Take for example the Ed Sheeran gigs. Now i have no interest in Ed, or his music but there is 9 concerts in Ireland next year and not one in Limerick.

There is not one decent festival throughout the year ( not counting Riverfest as I think it is well and truly past its sell by date and is really poor as a flagship festival....this year included), the gigs in the Milk Market and King Johns castle can hardly be counted as major events ( The Coronas and Hermitage Green are hardly big superstars and have played here loads).

It is not a lack of venues - Thomond Park, Gaelic Grounds, King Johns etc. Its 2013 since there was last a decent name in Thomond. (Bruce Springsteen - full house)

Any input into what the problem is? Is it a lack of interest from thomond Park and others, lack of interest from promoters like Aiken and MCD, or is it just the lack of the council /ano being able to sell the city as a destination or being supportive of this kind of event?

I have a group called Limerick City Citizens and I have to admit I hear that question coming up a lot. It's simple.

Morons run the city!!!

bigpink

Look at places like Chez le fab and charlie malones doing gigs all the time there small but people need support small things aswell
Dolans have the gigs in milk market and kings johns there is a total of 2gigs this summer

vkid

The topic is the lack of big events. .concerts festivals and the like. There is some smaller stuff happening and no one is denying that. The problem is anything apart from riverfest on a larger scale that has national profile,and would attract larger amounts of people to limerick. And riverfest barely qualifies. It's terrible and the quicker the powers that be accept that the better.

Let's not get bogged down in the smaller scale stuff.

bigpink

Thomond Park were advertising this week that they got listed as a finalist for best purpose build event venue but yet it aint being used