SpudFest 2025 will take place in Monaghan Town this weekend.
The popular event is held in memory of Jason 'Spud' McElvaney who passed away four years ago.
Ciara Clerkin who is one of the organisers described SpudFest 2025 as an "all-inclusive community event" which helps local talent play at a new level. This year's festival will also be autism-friendly with a sensory area for families who want to come and enjoy the festivities.
Speaking to Northern Sound, Ciara described the late Jason McElvaney as the "life and soul" of every party and someone who was loved by so many. A family fun day will take place from 2pm until 5pm at McKenna's bar with further activities planned later on that night.
This year's SpudFest has also collaborated with Seany McCleary of the popular Blasta Street Kitchen who will attempt a Guinness World Record by making the most amount of tacos in one minute. According to Ciara, suicide is something that has unfortunately impacted many families across Co Monaghan and further afield.
Ciara says that this weekend's event will raise vital funds to important mental health charities: "We all have mental health every single day of our lives and it's about us knowing how to figure out the best ways to use the techniques that work for us, everyone is individual and everyone's needs are different. It's about finding the different supports that will help you as best as possible. In relation to the charities that we've chosen this year to support, it's all about being proactive and working hard to help our community in the best way possible."
