Earagail Arts Festival facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Earagail Arts Festival |
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Earagail Arts Festival logo
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| Genre | Arts |
| Dates | June/July |
| Location(s) | County Donegal, Ireland |
| Years active | 1988 - present |
| Website | www.eaf.ie |
The Earagail Arts Festival (which means Féile Ealaíne na hEaragaile in Irish) is a super fun event that happens every year in County Donegal, Ireland. It takes place in June or July. This exciting festival first started way back in June 1988.
The festival brings lots of amazing things to see and do! You can enjoy lively parades and cool street performances. There are also many plays, musical concerts, and funny comedy shows. These events happen in towns and villages all over County Donegal.
Letterkenny is a main hub for the festival. Places like An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny Regional Cultural Centre, and Donegal County Museum host many events there. But the fun isn't just in Letterkenny! Other towns and villages like Ballybofey, Gweedore, Inishowen, Falcarragh, and Creeslough also join in.
The festival even uses Donegal's beautiful natural spots as stages! Imagine watching a drive-in movie on Downings Beach or at Ards Forest Park. These have been really popular in the past. Stunning places like Glenveagh, Errigal mountain, the Muckish and Aghla mountains, Tory Island, and Magheraroarty Beach often become part of the festival's amazing shows.
Festival Fun and Performances
The Earagail Arts Festival is known for bringing together many different artists. Each year, the festival features a mix of music, comedy, theatre, and more. It's a great chance to see both famous performers and new talents.
Who Has Performed?
Over the years, many cool acts have been part of the festival. Here are just a few examples:
- In 2001, bands like The Undertones and musicians like Richard Thompson performed. Comedians such as Johnny Vegas also made people laugh.
- The 2002 festival featured international artists like Mory Kanté and popular singers like Hazel O'Connor.
- In 2004, the famous ventriloquist David Strassman entertained audiences. Even Bob Geldof performed!
- The 2005 festival included popular Irish band The Saw Doctors.
- In 2008, Irish artists like Altan, Donal Lunny, and Lisa Hannigan were part of the lineup.
- The 2009 festival had a big Carnival Parade. Music acts included Mary Black and The Stunning.
- The 2013 festival was special because it was the 25th birthday of the event! It featured artists like Josh Ritter and the famous Irish band Clannad.
- The 2014 festival planned to have Sharon Shannon, Frances Black, and Mary Coughlan, along with many other shows, art displays, workshops, and drive-in movies.
How the Festival Gets Support
Running a big festival like this needs a lot of help! The Earagail Arts Festival gets support from different groups. In 2011, some of the main supporters included The Arts Council, Donegal County Council, and Fáilte Ireland (which promotes tourism). Other groups like the British Council Ireland and the European Union also helped out. This support makes sure the festival can keep bringing amazing arts and culture to County Donegal every year!
