The countdown is on for this year’s Galway International Arts Festival!
(No, literally, check their website for the actual countdown to the festival. Very snazzy).
From the 11th to the 24th, the Wesht will be a-buzz with music, contemporary art and performances across the county, brought to you by all your favourite actors, musicians and performers. Score!
Here's what you can expect over the course of the festival!
Music and tuuuuuuuunes
The glorious Absolut Big Top returns this year to host a massive selection of Irish and international acts. Britpop founding fathers Suede bring their film Night Thoughts to Galway on July 23rd, as well their extensive back-catalogue. Suede will also be joined by special guests Frank and Walters on the night.
Villagers' Conor O'Brien is also set to make an appearance on July 19th, with special guest Mick Flannery. You'll also see Bell X1, Imelda May, Elvis Costello and The Gloaming - fresh from a stellar Body & Soul set - take to the tent over the course of the two weeks.
There's plenty to tickle your fancy beyond the big top - the famed institution that is the Róisín Dubh will be accommodating some of our other faves, including King Kong Company and Pleasure Beach. Elsewhere on Dominick Street, Monroe's Live will be graced with performances from Stomptown Brass and Mundy.
Villagers
You're 'avin a laugh ...
If it's giggles you require, look no further! The Laughter Loft, MC'd by Gerry Mallon, will be an unmissable lunchtime laugh. Our lads Foil Arms and Hog, Al Porter and Fred Cooke will be bringing some madness to midday to The Kings Head Ruby Room throughout the fortnight.
American comedy duo Pajama Men will be hosted by Steve Bennett in the Róisín Dubh. Expect improv, outlandish skits and some seriously twisted storytelling on July 15th.
Aussie funny men Sammy J & Randy are also set to tickle funny bones on July 19th in the Róisín Dubh. Hosted by our very own Karl Spain, tomfoolery is guaranteed.
Foil, Arms and Hog
A night (or several) at the theatre ...
Who doesn't love being the first to see something? Arlington [a love story] from Enda Walsh makes its world premiere at the festival, starring Charlie Murphy, Hugh O'Conor and Oona Doherty. Choreographed by Emma Martin, it follows a young woman named Isla awaiting her fate inside a tower. Walsh previously debuted Ballyturk in Galway two years ago. One not to be missed!
Arlington [a love story]
He's also the guy responsible for adapting Once for the stage AND worked with the late, great David Bowie on Lazarus. Not too shabby ... Arlington [a love story] runs in a specially-constructed theatre space (ooh) at Leisureland, Salthill, Co. Galway from 7th - 24th July.
Enda Walsh
Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour follows the story of six Catholic school girls running amok on school trip. We've been told to expect sex, singing and flaming sambucas. - standard. They take to the stage following a sell-out Scottish tour, the show runs from 19th - 24th of July at the Town Hall Theatre.
Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour (Credit: Manuel Harlan)
Song from Far Away also looks set to draw huge crowds. Director Ivo van Hove just won a Tony and also worked with David Bowie. He's the hottest name in theatre right now - no big deal. Ahem ...
Not to mention the visual art, street art, the annual First Thought Talks, that wonderful Galway atmosphere that nowhere else seems to have ... Consider our bags packed!
