The West’s Awake at the Clifden Arts Festival
As Galway savours its recent hurling successes, there are even more reasons to celebrate in Clifden. The Clifden Community Arts Festival is 40 years young this year. There is a jam-packed program of events to delight young and old. Expect creative writing, music, theatre and film workshops, with a special focus on events for children.
Below are a selection of some of our favourites. But check www.inspireme.ie where we have a lot of the events listed.
Or visit www.clifdenartsfestival.ie for the complete programme and ticket reservations.
Clifden Arts Festival – Something for Everyone
Following the official opening by President Michael D Higgins, on Wed 13th September, there are treats to delight every day until the festival ends on Sept 24th.
Girl power is in evidence on Thurs 14th with Cherish the Ladies. One of the world’s top Celtic groups will create an evening filled with traditional dancing, music and song. This is an amazing opportunity to see this American group who have previously played in venues like the White House and at the Olympics.
Friday 15th will see two national icons Cara O’Sullivan and the Garda Siochana Band join forces for this musical treat that is not to be missed.
Saturday 16th is all about the children. They can channel their inner batman as they swing upside down during aerial workshops. Or perhaps they could follow the Elf and Fairy trail. Don your best fairy wings as you track down these mythical creatures who have been keeping an eye on the festival preparations over the last few months.
Musical Treats Galore
There are musical treats galore to be discovered at this unique festival. Chose from James Galway on his flute – a master of his craft who inspires wherever he goes. And accompanied by the RTE Concert Orchestra, this has to be one of the highlights of the calendar.
Or what about the Irish opera artists. Some of Ireland’s newest operatic talents who will be singing favourites from operas through the years.
If traditional music is more your style, it doesn’t get any better than Donal Lunny with Mairtin O’Conner and Zoe Conway. Three of Ireland’s most gifted musicians are sure to get toes tapping on Monday 18th. Fiachna Braonain and Tommy Flemming will also be making their presence felt as they treat local audiences to their repertoire of songs.
Saying Yes to Yes
Laugh till you cry on Thurs 21st with the one and only Kevin McAleer. He will be giving his own unique insight into all things spiritual.
The Festival Grand Parade takes place on Saturday 20th at 8pm. Amazing acrobatic displays will be followed by a fireworks display place as everyone looks up in awe as the fireworks set the night sky alight.
We hope this gives you a small taste of just some of the menu of treats that the organisers of this unique festival have organised. If you are lucky enough to be in the West from 13-24th Sept be sure to head to Clifden for the Arts Festival.
Finally, all information correct at time of publishing. You should always check with the event organiser before you travel.