Hundreds flock to arts festival
Hundreds of people from all around the country have been flocking to the Boyle Arts Festival in Co Roscommon to enjoy its mix of art, music and theatre, organisers said today.
Fergus Ahern, who is responsible for the visual arts at the festival, said a large crowd was attending every day with people travelling from Dublin, Wexford and particularly from the North.
Ahern said the festival, which runs until Friday July 28, was attracting many people from the North as the Royal Ulster Academy was holding its exhibition as part of the festival.
“In 100 years this is the first time the RUA has exhibited outside Belfast and it will be on show until August 13,” he said on the art which is being shown in King House Boyle.
“We are delighted to have been invited to host the RUA exhibition and the response from members of the academy has been magnificent.
“So also has been the reaction of so many painters and sculptors from all over the country who wished to participate in support of their colleagues in Northern Ireland. We see this as a positive cross border initiative and are very proud the Boyle was the chosen venue for this unique event.”
In addition to the 67 Academicians, including Basil Blackshaw, Rita Duffy and Simon McWilliams, exhibiting there are also 45 invited guests from all over Ireland showing their works.
“There is a lot of talent on display,” Mr Ahern said, adding information was available from the website www.boylearts.com.
The event, which has been running for 17 years, is also renowned for its music programme and will include performances by Ronan Guilfoyle, Dearbhla Collins, Paddy Cole and Finghin Collins.
As part of the theatre programme, the Chapterhouse Theatre Company also held an outdoor production of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
The festival is also children orientated with many activities including art workshops, theatre and storytelling.
