The 45th annual Carlow Arts Festival 2024 has officially revealed its programme. From Wednesday, June 5th, to Sunday, June 9th, Carlow Town will host over 80 carefully curated events, showcasing a diverse range of creative expressions including dance, literature, circus, music, theatre, cinema, and visual arts. This year’s programme promises something for everyone to enjoy, with highlights including…
BASHT.
Saturday 8 June | 9.30pm | O’Hara’s Big Top
Get ready for an electrifying performance by the indie-rock sensation Basht. as they take to the stage for their Carlow debut at O’Hara’s Big Top during the 2024 Carlow Arts Festival. Composed of Dublin natives Jack Leavey, Louis Christie, Sam Duffy, Rossa Healy, and Luke O’Neill, the five-piece band will treat the audience to tracks from their highly praised new EP, Dirty White Lies, as well as beloved singles like “Never Love.” This performance at Carlow Arts Festival will provide a thrilling opportunity to witness an exceptional new Irish band on their meteoric rise to stardom. Tickets available here
FIRST LIGHT
ASYLUM PRODUCTIONS & ONCE OFF PRODUCTIONS
Friday 7 – Sunday 9 June | 9pm
The flagship event of this year’s festival. First Light by Asylum productions is an all-encompassing experience, blending elements of street theatre, adventure, and circus performance, thoughtfully crafted in collaboration with the community of Carlow. Set in an alternate reality within the fictional town of Wolrac the production will showcase Asylum’s distinctive collaborative theatre style. Taking place both indoors and outdoors, attendees are advised to dress for Irish weather. The route spans approximately half a kilometre, is accessible for wheelchairs, and commences at Carlow Town Hall, Haymarket. Tickets available here
By the Light of the Silvery Moon
AINDRIAS DE STAIC
Sunday 9 June | 6pm
By the Light of the Silvery Moon is a special evening of Irish stories – told through words and music by storyteller Seanchaí Aindrias de Staic, with harpist Aisling Lyons and percussionist Brian Fleming. Aindrias’ style is a fast paced, lively, new approach to the ancient Irish artform, yet his work is firmly rooted in the traditional storytelling styles of the West of Ireland. Inspired by his work in folklore, nature, and the traditional arts, Aindrias brings us on a journey through tales of villages lost to the sea, misadventures of wandering musicians, folkloric myths, and of course his own, self-penned, outrageous tales of otherworldly events. Tickets available here
THE GAMES WE PLAY
GANDINI JUGGLING (UK) • IRISH PREMIERE
Friday 7 June | 7.30pm
The Games We Play offers a captivating blend of juggling, dance, and philosophy. Co-founders and directors Sean Gandini and Kati Ylä-Hokkala extend an invitation to delve into the dynamic and intricate world of juggling and choreography. It serves as a lively self-portrait of the innovative duo and their extensive repertoire of over 30 productions, which have graced stages worldwide more than 6,000 times.
With The Games We Play, Sean and Kati beckon you to immerse yourself in their realm of creation and choreography, presented as a lecture masquerading as a show (or perhaps a show concealed as a lecture?) by a distinguished duo known for their unparalleled synergy both on and off stage. Tickets available here
CARLOW LIVE & LOCAL
Friday 7 June – Sunday 9 June
Presented by the Carlow County Council Arts Office and curated by Carlow-based live music producers Fiach Moriarty and Walter Hennessy, Carlow Live & Local makes its triumphant return to the festival, showcasing three days of the finest local talent. Highlighting beloved acts from County Carlow alongside promising new artists, Carlow Live & Local offers a continuous stream of entertainment inside the O’Hara’s Big Top tent. Don’t miss performances from Eric de Buitléir, Danny Carthy and Tumbling Dice. Tickets available here
Carlow Arts Festival 2024 will take place from Wednesday, June 5th, to Sunday, June 9th. A Music Pass is available granting access to all music events with a day pass priced at €15 and a weekend pass priced at €35. See www.carlowartsfestival.ie
