By the time they got to Pigstock.....

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With three stages and over 30 of Northern Ireland's hottest bands, this year Pigstock festival in Killinchy promises to be the best ever.

The Main Stage - headlined by A Plastic Rose, with Mojo Fury, Black Bear Saloon, Kasper Rosa, Axis Of and more - will showcase bands who like their riffs big and powerful. The Gem Saloon stage will offer up high octane folk, roots and world music showcasing bands like Farriers, Lowly knights and Talking Drum. The Engine Room stage is dark, dirty and noisy with the emphasis on hardcore. This will be headlined by The Rupture Dogs, also playing are BOY, Leap for Lenin, Gascan Ruckus and Mental Deficiency.

In-between tunes the crowd will be kept amused by some of Belfast's hottest young comedians, while food and drink will be available, including the PigStock specialty, Pig on a Spit, served up by local chef Colin "Piggy" Carson.

Pigstock's first year (2008) saw 250 revelers enjoying the best bands from the Killinchy area. It was held in a marquee, tucked away in a meadow near Balloo crossroads.

2009 saw a jump to over 800 people. This time the stage was open air, and a professional sound team was employed. Other elements joined the fray in the form of a samba band marching though the field, a selection of urban poets to keep you thinking between bands and two fire dancers to visually astound once it got dark. Overnight camping became also became available giving Pigstock a big festival feel. Expectations are building that this Saturday's festival will top the 1000 mark for the first time.

Commenting on what is quickly becoming a major event in Northern Irelands musical calendar, festival organizer Jonny Tate said: "This year is going to be our best ever, the variety of music on offer is second to none, as are the facilities, which this year will include an additional camping area primarily set aside for families.

"Also new this year will be the Pigstock pub, serving cold drinks and beverages, a midnight cinema, for those campers who just arent ready for sleep, and face painters, for children young and old. We will be ending the night with our now traditional samba band parade. We just want to make everyone feel welcome, and do everything we can to guarantee them a memorable day out. It has been a long winter, and for me, Pigstock is the start of the summer. So pack your tent up for the weekend and let us entertain you."

Pigstock will be held on Saturday, May 29, in Killinchy. Tickets are on sale from www.pigstockfestival.co.uk, and the public are welcome to pay at the gate, which closes strictly at 9.30pm. Be early to avoid disappointment. Tickets cost £20 for a day ticket and £25 for a day ticket plus camping pass.