With June almost upon us, thoughts on the Leeside are turning to the Cork Midsummer Festival which will run from the 20th to the 25th of next month. Now in its fourth year, the event evolved from the Sense of Cork Festival and aims, say the organisers, to reflect the resurgence in the cultural life of the city.
The festival is community driven and seeks to bring the entire city together during six days of cultural celebration which will include performances from local artists as well as many from abroad.
One of the highlights will be the premiere of Cork-based writer/director Ursula Rani Sarma's new play Blue at the Half Moon Theatre. Paolo Nani's award-winning one-man-show The Letter will also be featured.
There will be a strong visual arts presence in the city, representing work by Irish artists living in Britain as well as Cork artists. The Triskel Arts Centre is organising a monster picnic for children and their families as well as free outdoor films The literary programme will include Fergal Keane as well as local writers Conal Creedon and Enda Walsh and writers-inresidence Antonia Logue and Tadgh O Dushlaine.
The trusty Kilfenora Ceili Band with set dancers will heat the flagstones at Emmet Place on bonfire night, Friday June 23rd. The music programme also includes rock, blues and classical lunchtime concerts at the Crawford Municipal Gallery.
The June holiday will begin in Bandon, Co Cork, when the Guinness Humours of Bandon Traditional Music Festival swings into action on Friday. Altan and Sharon Stone are the headliners. More than 20 groups will perform at 25 venues, offering 100 hours of music over the three days.