Kilkenny Arts Festival facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kilkenny Arts Festival |
|
|---|---|
St Canice's Cathedral ahead of a festival performance in 2013
|
|
| Status | Active |
| Genre | Arts festival |
| Date(s) | August |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Location(s) | Kilkenny |
| Country | Ireland |
| Years active | 1974–present |
| Most recent | 2019 |
The Kilkenny Arts Festival is a super cool event held every year in Kilkenny, Ireland. It started way back in 1974. At first, it was called Kilkenny Arts Week.
This festival celebrates many different types of art. You can enjoy classical music, plays, dance, and visual arts. There's also lots of other music and literature. Famous Irish writer Seamus Heaney even read his poems at the very first festival! The festival often asks artists from Ireland and other countries to create new works just for the event.
About the Festival
The Kilkenny Arts Festival lasts for ten days. It happens every August in the city of Kilkenny. The main idea is to show off amazing art from both Ireland and around the world.
Festival Fun and Venues
About 50,000 people come to the festival each year. You can see performances happening right on the streets! There are also shows in many different buildings. Some past places for performances include rooms in pubs. Even grand places like St Canice's Cathedral and Kilkenny Castle have hosted events.
Amazing Performers
Many talented artists have performed at the Kilkenny Arts Festival. These include poets, musicians, and visual artists. It's a chance to see world-class acts up close.
Who Has Performed?
Some famous people who have been part of the festival include:
- Robert Pinsky, a poet from the United States.
- Sir András Schiff, a brilliant pianist.
- Toumani Diabaté, a master musician from Mali.
- Mahan Esfahani, an Iranian harpsichord player.
- Zhu Xiao-Mei, a pianist born in China.
- The music group Brooklyn Rider.
- Musician Jordi Savall.
- Writer Garrison Keillor.
- Artist Susan Philipsz.
- Irish writer Colm Tóibín.
- Singer Dawn Upshaw.
- Irish musician Martin Hayes.
Giant inflatable sculptures by Architects of Air have also been a fun sight. The famous Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Company has performed here too. Dance groups like Liz Roche's Company and Junk Ensemble have also shared their art.
Gallery
-
Gottfried Helnwein exhibit, 2001
-
Macnas Street Parade, 2013
-
Macnas Street Parade, 2013
-
Caravan Club Sounds, 2015
