You never need an excuse to visit Kinsale, but from Thursday July 8th to Sunday July 11th, the 2021 Kinsale Arts Weekend programme will provide entertainment and inspiration whatever your interests.
Fun for all the family
A creative, theatrical adaptation of a much-loved children’s classic will delight young audiences. It’s a surprise but promises to feature “a terrible pair of foul folk” and a “feathered and furry rebellion.”
KAW’s programme also features a fantastic variety of innovative dance, storytelling, photography, film and other theatrical pieces at stunning venues all around town.
The ever-popular “window art” experience returns this year. Stroll around Kinsale and take in traditional galleries alongside show windows displaying the wonderful work of both local and national artists.
Finally, even reluctant teenagers will be drawn to the Junk Kouture Exhibition showcasing cutting-edge fashion made from 100% recycled materials by local 13-18 year olds.
For music lovers
Singers, songwriters and musicians, John Spillane, Lorraine Nash, Paddy Dennehy, Jack O’Rourke, Marina Cassidy, and Emmet O’Connor feature alongside popular, local artists over the four-day event at the “drive in” Saile venue.
Another musical treat in store is the Irish National Opera’s presentation of an outdoor screening of ‘The Lighthouse’ by Peter Maxwell Davies at the Bowling Green, one of Kinsale’s striking, historic
settings.
For art afficionados, literature and poetry lovers, and all who simply like to engage with the healing and transformative powers of the arts.
Writer Alannah Hopkin features in a live Q&A on her recently-published book ‘A Very Strange Man.’ The book, which reflects on Hopkin’s life with Aidan Higgins, was chosen by Sebastian Barry as his Book of the Year.
Kinsale’s magnificent seascape provides the natural setting for a poetry reading at the Dock Beach where the audience is invited to read their favourite sea poem. A post-event swim is optional!
Donal Chambers discusses the problems of climate change and biodiversity extinction and the regeneration of ecosystems while encouraging people to reconnect with nature and their local areas.
And finally, the opportunity to end the day with a stroll to the iconic Spaniard to experience the explosion of colour and creativity that is the signature of graphic artist and muralist, Omin’s work.
The work entitled “Dead Poet’s Society” pays tribute to Desmond O’Grady, one of Ireland’s foremost poets. O’Grady lived much of his life in Kinsale and considered the Spaniard bar his living room, often “holding court” in the front bar. Omin whose spectacular photo-realistic murals adorn large scale exteriors in New York, London and Barcelona will unveil his creative installation in honour of this revered and acclaimed dead poet on Thursday July 8th at 5pm. Actor Kevin Goggin will recite O’Grady’s poem ‘The Spaniard’ at the unveiling.
Just a few “tasters” from an exciting and innovative Kinsale Arts Weekend 2021 festival which has as its overall theme “the year earth changed”. As we emerge from the trauma of a global pandemic, there is something here to inspire and touch us all.
Details on the full programme are available to download on kinsaleartsweekend.com and tickets to all of the events can also be purchased via Eventbrite.
