Kilkenny gets ready for arts festival

A mix of drama, music and comedy will explode onto the streets of the medieval city of Kilkenny when the arts festival gets underway this August.

Organisers have promised the 33rd Kilkenny Arts Festival will showcase the best of the arts from both home and abroad.

A spokeswoman said: “The festival is renowned for attracting leading artists and performers across all art forms from around the world.

“Stunning visual arts, original and innovative theatre productions, spectacular street entertainment, a comprehensive and fun young persons programme, world renowned traditional and jazz musicians, leading authors from the world of literature and high profile classical music acts – just some of what you can expect at the Kilkenny Arts Festival.”

Some of the highlights of the festival, which runs from August 11th to 20th, include a parade through Kilkenny and Callan, with renowned comedy acts The Incredible Bull Circus, Teatro Pachuco and Bui Bolg taking to the streets.

The festival will also feature performances from Argento Chamber Ensemble, an Asian flavoured evening called Masala!, art exhibitions and readings by best-selling authors Darren Shan and Alex Barclay.

Organisers confirmed tickets and information are available for the events at www.kilkennyarts.ie

The musical programme includes dance floor jazz from the Five Corner’s Quintet; Ex Cathedra in St Canice’s Cathedral; authentic trad music from Teada and Beoga and Nigerian Femi Kuti and The Positive Force.

St Canice’s Cathedral will also play host to performances of classical music by the European Baroque Orchestra, and a chamber ensemble featuring Guy Johnston on the cello, Catherine Leonard on violin and Carol McGonnell on the clarinet.