"The Ploughboys are a 5 piece band, that play their own special style, of what I would best describe as 'Australian Flavoured Celtic Roots Rock folk music' consisting of Damian Howard on vocals, acoustic guitar and keyboards, Allan O'Connell also on vocals and acoustic guitar, Tony O'Neil on Violin, Electric guitar and Mandolin, John Edgar on bass guitar and backing vocals and lastly Jon Emry on drums and backing vocals.

This considerable talent becomes a powerful force in full flight when their long years of touring and recording bring great songs, soaring vocals and excellent arrangements to an irresistible high.

The Ploughboys are a great band to watch. They seem to have a crowd of instant fans (like fish in the desert after rain, they magically appear) attracted by a swaggering and cheeky Aussie gregarious presence that raises the stakes with real passion.

It's no wonder that Mary Black has recorded one of their songs and played with the band in Australia. It's no wonder that Damian Howard has a horde of musical friends and family to join him at times on stage and he is always ready to jump into the musical action at a festival.

Quite simply they are a special band, a great band, an ideal "festival band" which will always excel and exceed expectations."

Dr Jamie McKew OAM
Festival Director