12 highlights of Galway Arts Festival: Music, theatre, and a whole lot of fun

Galway International Arts Festival runs from July 13-26. Here are some of the must-sees 

(From eft, clockwise) Patti Smith, one of Sean Henry's sculptures and Silent Disco walking tours will be at he Galway International Arts Festival.

Patti Smith, and others, Heineken Big Top, Various dates

Music has always been one of the Galway festival's biggest draws, and this year’s Heineken Big Top programme remains strong. Patti Smith tops the bill, bringing the intensity that’s made her one of rock’s most revered performers. The Flaming Lips, on the road for over 40 years, remain an essential live alternative rock act — and, let’s face it, among the most fun too, especially if they bring the full toolkit of visuals, confetti and whatever else they want to throw our way. Smaller stages welcome Badly Drawn Boy, David Kitt, the Dublin group Glasshouse and their Sigur Ros show, Sexy Tadhg, Bricknasty, and many more. And rest assured: The Saw Doctors will be playing the Big Top.