A magical children's feile planned

`Certified Lunatic and Master of the Impossible' from Canada, an Irish magician and illusionist, a circus of "bubbles" from Catalonia…

`Certified Lunatic and Master of the Impossible' from Canada, an Irish magician and illusionist, a circus of "bubbles" from Catalonia - these are just some of acts promised by Baboro, Galway's second annual festival for children, which opens next month. This year's feile for young folk, which was the brainchild of former Galway Arts Festival artistic director, Trish Forde, will also present productions by The Ark in Dublin, the Graffiti Theatre Company and Dry Rain Youth Theatre.

The Arts Council and Compaq European Software Centre are main sponsors - although it has to be noted that some 89 per cent of the Arts Council's spend on multi-disciplinary arts for young people has been allocated to organisations in Dublin this year.

Up to seven performances a day are planned from October 13th to 18th in Galway's Town Hall Theatre, Nun's Island Arts Centre and Aras na Macleinn in NUI Galway. The Black Box arts venue will also be home to a selection of exhibitions and workshops throughout the week.

The Welsh Green Ginger company will present what is billed as its "gorgeously gothic" visual spectacle, Slaphead - a "weird and wonderful" variation on the classic legend of Sweeney Todd with shades of the television satire, Spitting Image.

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There will be storytelling, music and readings, and the event is open to both schools and the public. There is even a carrot. Not only is this year's event timed to coincide with school term, but there is also a school support service at 091-566577 which offers information, assistance with choice of performance and a refund of 50 per cent of travel costs (up to £1 per child).

For more details, the fax number is (091) 562655 and http://www.iol.ie/baboro is the website address.