The man who brought us the toe tapping soundtrack to Riverdance announces a stellar line-up of national and international talents at Ireland’s longest running community arts festival! Renowned Irish musician, composer, producer and arranger Bill Whelan officially launches the programme of events for the 36th Clifden Community Arts Festival on Monday 19th August at 6 pm in the Clifden Station House Theatre. Boasting another amazing line up of enigmatic, colourful performances, literary readings, artistic expression and visual exploration the annual festival returns with a bang from 19th– 29th September 2013.
The 2013 programme looks set to be an even bigger success with Music, Theatre, Film, Comedy, Literary Talks, Readings and a dedicated Schools Programme each playing an integral part of the festival, promising an event to suit all tastes. The festival will be officially opened on Thursday 19th September by Internationally renowned and innovative theatre director with Druid theatre company, Garry Hynes. Kicking off the festival will be the legendary Mary Coughlan, as well as music from Galway’s newest live party band, Crossfire.
Director of The Clifden Arts Week Brendan Flynn believes “We have a great diversity of talent at this year’s festival and we are delighted to have long term friend and supporter Bill Whelan here to launch the programme. There are so many performances to look forward to, we hope you’re as excited as we are! The level of community engagement and encouragement is phenomenal and it’s what really sets our festival apart from other- it truly ignites the spirit of the people; it’s really inspirational.”
Friday 20th September will offer performances from the “Gyp-Hop” kings, The Latchiko’s and Button Accordion Master Mairtin O’Connor with Fiddle Player Zoe Conway and Guitar and Bouzouki Maestro Donal Lunny as well as an evening with poet, publisher and novelist Dermot Bolger and internationally renowned playwright, Bernard Farrell.
On Saturday 21st, 4 times Jacob Award winner and RTE veteran Mike Murphy will conduct a public interview with musician, composer, producer, and arranger Bill Whelan. The Guinness Choir will perform ‘Handels’ Messiah, while Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy will intrigue with musician & actor John Sampson and author and journalist, Kevin Myers will lecture on Commemorations: Ireland’s Fatal Addictions. Fishamble: The New Theatre Company presents their performances of Silent (24.09.13) and Forgotten (25.09.13), one man plays written and performed by Pat Kinevane.
Throughout the week, visitors will see a wide array of talents, including concert performances from Sharon Shannon (21.09.13) Declan Sinnott (26.09.12), the Callino Quartet with Tom Dunn (23.09.13), Cherish the Ladies (24.09.13), Kaleidoscope Camino (26.09.13), comedy from Kevin McAleer (26.09.13) and readings from Mary O’Rourke (28.09.13) and Diarmuid Ferriter (28.09.13).
The local schools will play host to a number of different events which will help to inspire, educate and encourage local students in appreciating the arts including workshops, a film festival, specialist talks and lectures over a broad range of topics, musical concerts and readings from established poets and writers.
Saturday 28th September promises to bring children and adults alike into the world of imagination with dance, music, fire and magnificent costumes as the finale parade begins. Ireland’s leading Processional and Landscape Theatre company LuXe pass through Clifden like a familiar constellation marking the changing seasons and opening windows of possibility. Fresh from premiering their brand new outdoor aerial crane the spectacular ‘Firebirds’ at the Fleadh Cheoil in Derry, Fidget Feet will perform sections of the show during the Parade.
The infamous Clifden Art trail returns once again, now in its 7th year running. The Arts trail is an exciting shop window exhibition of work by artists who have strong links with the Connemara area. An Arts Council touring exhibition will also ensure a feast for the eyes! Clifden town is used as a public exhibition space hosting a variety of group and solo exhibitions, resulting in a fabulous array of colourful and imaginative displays.
Clifden Arts Festival is supported by The Arts Council of Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, Galway County Council, RTE Supporting the Arts and AOIFE. A full programme of events and tickets can be found online at www.clifdenartsweek.ie. To book call 091-442730 or email: boxoffice@clifdenartsweek.ie. For further information visit us on Facebook/ClifdenArtsFestival or follow us on Twitter @clifdenartsweek
Photo: Andrew Downes