Lisburn band flying high after successful album launches

The band’s mellowed-out funky beats will be taking over the stage on Sunday and Monday during the festival, which runs from this Saturday August 27 to Monday August 29.

The festival promises to be three days of fun and entertainment for all the family, with twice-daily hot air balloon flights, delicious artisan food, live music on stage throughout the day and a kids’ corner to keep the young ones amused.

Whanau are looking forward to performing. They said: “A few members of the band took a well-deserved break last weekend to check out Sunflowerfest, which was a fabulous, weekend-long celebration of music. So we’ve recharged our batteries and can’t wait to take part in yet another great event being held in Moira.”

These gigs follow a special second album launch, hosted recently by the band for their loyal Lisburn fans. Those who were left disappointed after missing out on tickets for the Belfast barge EP launch on August 6 flocked to Molly’s Parlour on Castle Street on August 18 for a second chance to hear the band perform the tracks from the album.

They also played two brand new songs, showcased for the first time at the Belfast launch. The band said: “Lisburn is where Whanau was formed and grew and so many of our fans are from the city, so we always planned to have an event here to showcase the new album. Molly’s Parlour was the natural choice; it’s the best live music venue in Lisburn, has supported us right from the start and continues to be a champion for up-and-coming musicians and performers, hosting live music and entertainment week after week.”

Vicki Miller of Molly’s Parlour said: “We were delighted to host the Lisburn launch of Whanau’s first album. Molly’s is all about giving talented people a space to share their work and it’s great to see one of our favourite bands doing so well. We really enjoyed welcoming them home to celebrate their success.”

Whanau added: “Belfast was a truly magical night and the Lisburn launch was just as much fun. We really enjoyed the chance to play the album and the new songs again and getting such a good reaction in our home town.

“The Hot Air Balloon Festival is another opportunity to play at a great event, close to home.”