Line-up Marqs 9 years at top for festival

When Cork’s Live at the Marquee festival started nine years ago its chances of reaching a decade were slight to say the least, not because it wasn’t good but because music festivals tend to have a short life-span.

“I never expected it to last so long,” remarked promoter Peter Aiken, only half joking as he announced the most extensive line-up yet for what is regarded as one of the country’s most enduring music get-togethers.

“Macroom Mountain Dew Festival is a case in point,” said Aiken, speaking at this year’s festival launch held at the Boardwalk bar and restaurant on Lapp’s Quay. “It had great success at the start but was gone after three years.”