30,000 Expected as Farmers Bash Returns to Belfast Bigger Than Ever.

Around 30,000 people are expected to turn out for Farmers Bash this weekend, as the event returns to Belfast for its biggest edition yet.

For the first time, the celebration stretches across an entire weekend, taking over Boucher Playing Fields for a large-scale showcase of music, rural pride, and community spirit. It’s become one of the most distinctive events in the local calendar, blending live music with a celebration of country culture and attracting thousands from both urban and rural communities.

This year’s line-up includes headliners The 2 Johnnies, The Kaiser Chiefs, Nathan Carter, Derek Ryan, and many more. Launched in 2017, the Farmers Bash has steadily grown into a flagship event for fans of country music and rural life.

Event organiser Nigel Campbell, who founded the Bash, said the idea came from combining two key parts of his background.

“I’m from a farming background, and I am into music – I run events. In 2016, I saw an opportunity to create something unique. In 2017, we took Farmers Bash to the SSE Arena, which was a big risk, but it paid off.”

Since then, the event has gone from strength to strength, with last year’s Belsonic showcase setting the stage for this weekend’s expansion at Boucher Road Playing Fields.

“I’m excited and honoured to have been able to do this.”

“There will be up to 30,000 people here throughout the weekend, and they will come from all over. Everyone is coming from their community to this event,” added Nigel.

With more than 50 acts set to perform, picking a favourite isn’t easy — even for the man behind it all.

“It is hard to choose a favourite, but for me it would probably be The Coronas. I love their music.”

Importantly, the event is designed for all ages, with a family-friendly focus.

“The atmosphere here is amazing. People come and have a good time; it is a safe place for everyone. It is all ages, which is important to me, so it was not just another big party,” said Nigel.

Alongside the music, the weekend will feature unique entertainment including a Shrek Rave and a Sheep Shearing Disco — adding a playful twist to the festivities.

Dino Cofolla, a member of the production team, described the event as something truly special.

“What makes this event special is the diverse acts on the bill and the fact that it is family-friendly.”

“Last year at Belsonic, we thought, how could we make this bigger and better? That led us to this Boucher Road site,” said Dino.

He’s particularly looking forward to sharing the event with his own family.

“I am most excited to see The Kaiser Chiefs, and I have young kids. My wife will bring them down and they can get involved in some of the children’s activities.”

But at its heart, Dino says, the Farmers Bash is about giving something back to the people it represents, “The farming community works so hard, there is no such thing as a day off for them. It is great to be able to give back to the people who work to put food on our table every day,” Dino added.

Farmers Bash 2025 will take place on August 9^th and 10^th at Boucher Road Playing Fields. Gates open at 2 pm, with performances starting at 3 pm.