All set for ‘very special’ festival
The cathaoirleach made a suitable song and dance of the launch of this year’s Cavan Arts Festival.
The county’s first citizen, TP O’Reilly, gamely tapped out a few steps as he posed with dancer and actress Niamh McPhillips and piper Padraig Sweeney, who provided the entertainment at a sun drenched Townhall Arts Centre last Thursday evening.
With podcasting sensation Blindboy, comedian Alison Spittle, Belgian physical circus comedians Okidok joined by acclaimed visual artist Stephen Johnston in the festival programme, the occasion merited a little joie de vivre.
Launching the programme, Cllr O’Reilly paid tribute to Joe Keenan, MC for the event, Juley-Ann Collins as interim festival director, and Kim McCafferty, who founded the event.
“I hope you can all come and enjoy the few days ahead,” Cllr O’Reilly said of the event which runs from May 15-18.
Juley-Ann emphasised the importance of cherishing the festival.
“I’m very privileged to be minding the festival this year and working with the incredible committee. Honestly it is a very special festival - this year it’s the eighth edition and it has really grown out of the love for the arts and the recognition of arts in the community, and the important role it plays,” she said.
Arguably a highlight of the festival is indie band Soft Launch bringing their Irish tour to a close at the festival, a hometown gig for guitarist Josh McClorey. Show support comes from the brilliant Dirty Marmalade, also Cavan.
Then there’s the quirky additions of ‘Granny Jackson’s Dead... But Her Story Isn’t’ by Big Telly Theatre Company, and Padraic Brady’s Ojus tours, by Dirty Mac Theatre Company featuring the wonderful Manus Halligan and the wonderfully popular Pedal Parade.
Con Smith Park is the setting for the annual Parklife, which Juley describes as “the life and the heartbeat of the festival”, a fantastic two-day programme of free events including beloved children’s entertainer Kyle Riley, the Route 424 Brass Band, Skate Jam, Mammoth Street Samba Band and Amada Ensemble.
A new addition to this year’s line up is the Working Glas Heroes bill which brings an environmental hue to the family fun. The line up boasts a talk by rewilding pioneer Eoghan Daltun, a special gig by internationally renowned multi-instrumentalist Peter Broderick and very special workshops with podcaster and environmentalist Anja Murray, and incredible visual artist Michelle Boyle.
Amongst the very many festival sponsors are Cavan Arts, This is Cavan, Cavan County Council and Creative Cavan to name but a few. Juley-Ann was eager to thank the festival’s new main sponsors too, ‘ATA’ for their support and goodwill in ensuring the festival happened.
“Now you have to come here to the Townhall and over to Con Smith Park between the 15th to 18th of May to make sure it comes to reality,” she encouraged.