The Boyle Arts Festival 2018 – What's On in Roscommon
For 10 days in July the beautiful town of Boyle in Co. Roscommon will play host to one of the top Arts Festivals of the summer. From 19th – 28th July the festival organisers have a packed agenda. From young to old, there will be something for everyone. Between classical music concerts and visual arts, traditional music and children’s activities you will be spoiled for choice. We have listed a few of our festival favourites below. For a full list of what’s on, check out the festival program here.
Grand openings
The festival will be officially opened by Brent Pope on Thurs 19th July. A specially commissioned musical piece which was composed by Siobhan Cleary will be performed by John Carty and Patsy Hanly. Then at 10pm Aoife G and her fantastically named ‘Fairly Big Band’ will perform a free gig. Treating the audience to the perfect mix of jazz, blues, country, rock and a little bit of country, this will be the perfect start to this perfect festival. See here for details.
Musical treats
There is every type of music in store over the course of the festival. One of Ireland’s most exciting live bands HamSandwich will be taking to the stage on Friday 20th. You can enjoy folk with Sean Keane or opera with world famous soprano Celine Byrne on Thurs 26th.
The amazing songwriting of Luka Bloom and the traditional music of Altan. Mundy will surely serenade the crowds with ‘July’. The biggest problem is going to decide what to go to first.
Family fun
There are so many family friendly events throughout the festival. Rugby fans will love the chance to meet Brent Pope on Friday 20th. He will be reading from his new children’s book ‘Arnold The Noiseless Ant Eater’. See here for details. On 28th July there is a family friendly movie screening of everyone’s favourite bear, Paddington 2, for only €3. There are musical summer camps and workshops for babies throughout the week. So you can set your budding musicians on their way.
Culture galore
The County Leitrim Percy French Society will be presenting an afternoon of traditional treats on 21st July. All the traditional songs will be sung by performers in traditional costume. Audience participation is guaranteed. See here for more details. Or if you want to know more about the town of Boyle, enjoy a historical walk with local historian Tony Conboy. On 25th and 28th July Tony will guide you through the historical streets and share his vast knowledge of local history and folklore. For the fourth year running RTE’s Carole Coleman will present her ‘In Conversation’ series on 26th July. This year her guest is RTE colleague and Northern editor, Tommy Gorman. Tickets for this event are sure to sell out fast.
There are so many fantastic events in store at the Boyle Arts Festival. So pack your bags, book your tickets and head west this July.
All event details were correct at time of publication. Please confirm details with the event organisers before you travel. And for more great ideas for what to do around the country check out www.inspireme.ie.
