When I say the word Galway, what does it mean to you?
The word Gaillimh means "stony" as in "stony river". Historically, the name was Anglicised as Galliv, which is closer to the Irish pronunciation as is the city's name in Latin, Galvia.
Sigh…not literally...I mean when you think of Galway what does it make you think of?
Oh…Galway…ok closing my eyes…Galway…music...culture…aaand craic!
Exactly! Now take all that a multiply it by céad míle because the Galway International Arts Festival is a happening with happenings this July.
Do tell!
Oh I will… from July 13th to the 26th the West is set to be WIDE awake with a plethora of the world’s leading theatre companies, directors, actors, musicians, artists, dancers and divas all gathering in a glorious gaggle of greatness.
Oh you’re good!
I’m only getting started...how does this tickle your fancy! There will be over 500 writers, artists, performers and musicians from all over the planet all bringing their a-game to Galway. The Festival will highlight dance, physical theatre and spectacle from America and Europe illustrating the Festival’s continuing commitment to staging extraordinary, ambitious and innovative projects, the world premiere of new Irish theatre, like The Matchbox, the incredible play from Frank McGuinness and Luck Just Kissed You Hello starring the outstanding Amy Conroy as well.
Consider my fancy tickled!…do music now!
Well you also have the the Festival Big Top down by the River Corrib which will see the likes of the heavenly St Vincent descend and Kodaline raise the roof…twice! There will be a crowded house for Tim Finn, raptures for Damien Rice, clambering for The Coronas and the genuine joy of John Grant and Sinead O’Connor in most likely their only performance together in Ireland this year. Then of course for there’s the First Thought Talks with the likes of Jo Ellison, an ex-Vogue features editor who will be discussing her amazing experiences in fashion.
I might faint
And then there’s Galway itself...the craic on Quay St, the snug in Ti Neachtain's, the dancing in the Roisin Dubh and a curry chip from McDonagh’s on the way home!
So wait...let me get this straight...from July 13 to the 26th...the world’s finest in theatre, dance, art and music are all coming to Galway for the Galway International Arts Festival....I want to see and hear EVERYTHING!
It is going to be INCREDIBLE! Put the kettle on til we check out the full programme at www.giaf.ie
Oh it’s ON alright!
Can we watch the video now?
