This article is from page 31 of the 2008-05-20 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 31 JPG
MOUNTSHANNON is the desti- nation this coming week for lovers of arts and culture as the Inisceal- tra Festival of the Arts kicks off on May 24. The official opening of the week long event will be officiated by Theo Dorgan, renowned poet, writer, broadcaster and member of Aosdana and the Arts Council
With music, drama and dance per- formances from local and visiting groups, some of the highlights of this year’s festival include musical
performances by Eoin O’Neill, Orla Harrington and John Feely to name but a few.
Also on the agenda for the festi- val is a family boat-building course with the completed kit-boats be- ing launched at the end, a riverside sculpture trail with free boat-trips to view it, concerts, an art exhibition, sean-nos dancing, pub sessions, and film presentations from the Midnight Court film society.
There will be a free storytelling family event as well as dance and music presentations and a creative
writer’s workshop.
This year’s theme of “Community / Muintir” invites the whole com- munity to become involved in the activities which run from May 23 UNOS UM LUDO loaen
Announcing the programme, fes- tival director Nicola Henley said, ‘This year we have a fantastic vari- ety of events; hot air balloon making, African drumming workshops, riv- erside sculptures and boat building.
“We also have the reopening of the old village forge, and some wonder- ful pieces of art on loan from the
Outsiders collection at IMMA.”
On Sunday, June 1, the Aistear in Mountshannon will come alive with a Green Fare hosted by members of CELT, the Irish Seed Savers, and the Alfa project. Metalwork, stone carving, wood and willow skills will mingle with African drumming, Salsa, Capoeira, Bellydancing and nee) Ree
Full details of all then events on the 2008 Iniscealtra Festival of Arts pro- eramme are available on the official website www.iniscealtra-artsfestival. Outs