Arts, spectacle and the Lynott connection at Dunlavin Arts Festival

The official opening of the 34th Annual Festival of Arts will take place on Friday next, June 17 at 7.30pm. The opening will be performed by Philomena Lynott mother of Thin Lizzy’s legendary front man, Phil Lynott, who has family connections in the village.

The opening will be followed by live music and the Maureen Dennis Set Dance Céilí in the Imaal Hall at 9.30pm, all proceeds in aid of St Brigid's Hospice. Other events include: 8pm Folklore and Historical town walk-about, commencing at Market House led by Jimmy Whittle, Chris Lawlor and John O' Reilly.

From 9pm, it's Open Mic Night in Meitheal and musical entertainment in local pubs.

Saturday’s Events

All exhibitions will be open at 12 noon with the children's parade at 2pm. The parade continues with a 1916 theme so dig out the vintage clothing, followed by a puppet show and workshops.

At 8pm, there will be a concert in Deering's Barn Milltown entitled 'Musicals and Movies'. with performances from Ballymore Eustace Concert Band, Milltown Singers, Gormanstown Church Choir, Dunlavin Primary Schools Choir and the Dara Quartet - admission €10. Bingo in the Imaal Hall at 9pm with live music in the pubs from 10pm.

Sunday 19 – an afternoon for everyone.

Sunday 19 will be an action packed day with music, crafts, workshops, street theatre, and BBQ. From 12 noon, the Craft Fair will be open at the Imaal Hall; Dance Workshop at The Green; Food Stalls on the Street. At 2pm, the Drumming Workshop at the Green with a Dog Show on Cow Green, the Family Fun Day and Cartoon Character Show on Dunlavin Green.

From 12 noon – 5pm, the BBQ runs on the Green run by Jonathan Swift School withStreet Music and Street Entertainment commencing 3pm including the Teddy Bears Picnic at The Green, a second dance workshop at The Park, Cartoon Character Show from 3.30pm at Dunlavin Green plus Tumble Circus andTrapeze Act.

Other activities: 3-4pm Whistle play live open air; 4.30pm Folklore and Historical town walk about, commencing at The Market House; 4.30pm Drumming Workshop at The Green. 5pm Live Music: Supertronic Orchestra at Caplis' Bar.

Art exhibitions ongoing throughout the village.

See full schedule on www.dunlavinartsfestival.com