METRO Tuesday,August4,2009D Whos up for a food fight? Gem Dunne and Jenny Kiernan at the Castle Cheers: Mary- Ellen Snook from Swords enjoys some bubbly in one of the Treat Yourself tents Pictures: Tony Kinlan Wearing the rain: The Spikes frontman Tom Dunne hypnotises the festival crowd as he rocks onstage Were kings of the CastleBY ROSS McDONAGH CastlePaloozarockswithgreatatmosphereandnoargy-bargy THE cuter, younger sister of the Irish festival scene showed her older siblings how its done over the week- end as music lovers flocked to Co Offaly for Castle Palooza. The intimate boutique festival, now in its fourth year, brought 2,500 people to the breathtaking surrounds of Charleville Castle, Tullamore, for two days of music, arts, movies, workshops, flushing loos and hot showers. Unfortunately, the unwelcome fre- quenter of bigger brothers Oxegen and, more than likely, Electric Pic- nic, made its presence known once again, but the rain proved a minor setback with Charleville Castle it- self just one of the havens on offer. There was a great atmosphere, completely trouble-free, no argy- bargy, said Metros arts reviewer Lucy White, who was most im- pressed with Dark Room Notes, even though the lead singer Ronan Gaughan looked like he had come straight from the office. She added that the festival was one to avoid if you were seeking sleep the music didnt stop each night un- til well after 3am, and festival goers were usually back up and at it by 7am. Other highlights included belly- dancing and hula-hoop classes, and a live Rocky Horror Picture Show. Shake it: A dancer at Shakefest index.html2.html3.html4.html5.html6.html7.html8.html9.html10.html11.html12.html13.html14.html15.html16.html17.html18.html19.html20.html21.html22.html23.html