WATCH: Singer Mary Coughlan says 'it's a pure joy to be in Boyle' as she opens town's arts festival
The ten day Boyle Arts Festival was officially opened this evening by singer Mary Coughlan.
Boyle Arts Festival got underway this evening, Thursday, with an exciting ten-day programme celebrating the very best of Irish arts and culture.
Running from July 16th–25th, this year’s festival brings together internationally renowned artists alongside emerging talent for a vibrant programme of music, visual art, theatre, literature, comedy, workshops and free family events across Boyle.
The festival opened with the much-loved opening parade, bringing the streets of Boyle to life with music, movement and spectacle, before the official festival launch by acclaimed singer Mary Coughlan. Mary will also return later to the festival for a special concert on Friday 24th at 8 p.m. in St Joseph’s Hall, where audiences can experience one of Ireland’s finest jazz and blues voices in an intimate live performance.
Speaking to the Roscommon Herald in Boyle Mary Coughlan said that it was "a pure joy to be here in Boyle this evening on this wonderful day. I can't believe there is so much going on. We have already been to a couple of exhibitions and we heard some opera singing. There are great artists coming here all week. I have been coming to Boyle for about 30 years, and it's absolutely thriving now."
Music lovers will be spoiled for choice throughout the festival. Award-winning folk group Onóir perform tomorrow Friday, July 17th while These Charming Men, Ireland’s premier tribute to The Smiths and Morrissey, play on Saturday, July 18th. Sligo-based, international folk orchestra, NoCrows take to the stage on Sunday, July 19th, while Luke Thomas & The Swing Cats bring the festival to a close with their spectacular blend of swing, big band and rock classics on Saturday, July 25th. The talented bunch from Music Generation perform a special pre-festival concert on Wednesday, July 15th showcasing a rich selection of music with the theme of ‘Colours’ and throughout Saturday, July 18th Boyle will come alive with a festival music trail, featuring live performances in venues across the town from 11 a.m. until midnight.
Comedy fans can look forward to an unforgettable evening with Ireland’s King of Comedy, Jason Byrne, whose trademark improvisation, storytelling and audience interaction promise a night of laughter on Thursday, July 23rd.
With many free events alongside an outstanding ticketed programme, Boyle Arts Festival continues to offer something for everyone, welcoming audiences to experience one of Ireland’s longest-running and most celebrated summer arts festivals.
The full programme is available now online and in shops around town, with tickets on sale through the festival office at Sweeney’s building on The Crescent and online at boylearts.com.
Click on the link below to hear what Mary Coughlan had to say.
