As an alternative band mixing it up in the mainstream, the Flaming Lips enjoyed a fine run of it between the years 1999-2006. Yet, even if their popularity has declined a little since then, their reputation as one of the world’s greatest live acts remains intact.

The Scottish installation artist is again working with newspaper — 18 tonnes of it — for his return to the Galway Arts Festival, says Richard Fitzpatrick.

Indiependence (Aug 3-5) in Mitchelstown has revealed its day-to-day lineup.