Programme For Ranelagh Arts Festival Announced

12th September 2005

The programme for the inaugural Ranelagh Arts Festival was announced at an event in Lios na n-Óg, Ranelagh this evening.

Highlights of the programme include music from Ciaran Tourish, Bree Harris and Roesy, a poetry reading by MacDara Woods, an architectural walking tour, and two open days in Ranelagh Gardens featuring performances from local schools, the Young Orchestral Pops, Macnas Ranelagh Rhythm, and the Independent Theatre Workshop.

Art also features strongly, with a retrospective of the work of Donal O’Sullivan, and an exhibition featuring two Finnish artists, Ranelagh-based Sulima Rintala and internationally-based Hasan Fuat Sari. For film buffs, there is a rare opportunity to view the groundbreaking Ballroom of Romance, a once-off chance to see the critically acclaimed documentary, The Tear and the Smile, and Rooney, the charming story of a young hurling star, filmed in Ranelagh and Rathmines in the 1950s.

“The line-up is hugely exciting,” said Terry Connaughton, Artistic Director of the Festival. “We have some of the best musicians in Ireland coming to Ranelagh. We have two amazing art exhibitions. There is a fascinating mix of films to choose from, as well as literary events, a one-man play, a gospel choir, and – most exciting of all – the Open Days, which will be a real opportunity for the residents of Ranelagh to come together and meet other members of the community, and strengthen the community spirit in this area. That’s what this Festival is all about.”

The Festival takes play from 29th September to 2nd October in venues throughout Ranelagh. Event and ticketing information will be available at a Festival booth, located in the Ranelagh Triangle area.

ENDS.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

Background Information
Ranelagh Arts Festival has been organised by residents of the area as a community-centred Festival by, for and in the community. It will celebrate Ranelagh, past and present, and the importance of Art in people’s lives. The long-term goal of the Festival is to establish a community space in Ranelagh, in which to celebrate the arts. People of all ages and backgrounds are involved in the Festival, with a special focus on children’s involvement during the Open Day on 1st October. Further information is available from www.ranelagharts.org


Media Queries
If you have any queries, please contact Martina Quinn 087-6522033, media@ranelagharts.org