Kilkenny Arts Festival facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kilkenny Arts Festival |
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St Canice's Cathedral ahead of a festival performance in 2013
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| 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 fun event held every August in Kilkenny, Ireland. It started way back in 1974. This festival brings together many different types of art. You can enjoy classical music, amazing performances, and much more.
Famous poet Seamus Heaney even shared some of his poems at the very first festival! By 2016, the festival had grown to include theatre, dance, visual arts, and other kinds of music and writing. The festival often asks artists from Ireland and other countries to create new works just for the event.
What is the Festival Like?
This exciting festival lasts for ten days each August. It's a big showcase for both Irish and international artists. The goal is to share amazing art with everyone.
Many people come to the festival. About 50,000 visitors have attended in past years. You can see performances happening right on the streets of Kilkenny. There are also shows in many indoor places. These venues have included rooms in pubs, the grand St Canice's Cathedral, and even Kilkenny Castle.
Amazing Artists and Shows
Many talented people have performed at the Kilkenny Arts Festival. These include Robert Pinsky, a poet from the US, and the brilliant pianist Sir András Schiff. You might also have seen Malian musician Toumani Diabaté or the historian Roy Foster.
Other artists who have shared their work include Irish portrait painter Mick O'Dea and Chinese-born pianist Zhu Xiao-Mei. Music groups like Brooklyn Rider and artists such as Jordi Savall and Dawn Upshaw have also performed. Giant inflatable sculptures by Architects of Air were a cool sight at past festivals. Famous groups like Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Company and Liz Roche's Company have also been part of the fun.
Images for kids
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Gottfried Helnwein exhibit, 2001
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Macnas Street Parade, 2013
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Macnas Street Parade, 2013
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Caravan Club Sounds, 2015
