Eclectic characters camped in shop and pub windows - some enjoying liquid breakfasts from early morning - marked the start of Galway's Arts Festival in brilliant sunshine yesterday.
Galwegians have become accustomed to the surreal during the festival fortnight. Over 400 artists, musicians, writers and performers have been booked for this year's 28th annual festival, and the programme boasts four world and four Irish premiere theatrical events, including Druid Theatre's marathon undertaking - six JM Synge plays, back to back, on the two festival weekends.
Teatro Del Silencio presents the world premiere of its latest work, based on Bertolt Brecht's anti-war drama, Silencio. There's a rich feast of music with artists including Marianne Faithfull and Michelle Shocked. The Proclaimers competed with Minister for the Arts John O'Donoghue for attention at last night's opening and other musicians booked for the programme include the Contempo String Quartet, June Tabor, Tibetan singer Yuncheng Lahmo, sean nós practitioner Damien Dempsey and Cora and Breda Smyth.
Comedians Tommy Tiernan, Barry Murphy, Dylan Moran and Jon Kenny will also feature during the festival. Children's events this year include water theatre by Northern Ireland's Big Telly Theatre Company, which will present The Little Mermaid in Leisureland Swimming Pool.
Free events include that essential ritual, the Macnas parade at 3pm this Sunday.
Woodstock legend Richie Havens is presenting a second show in addition to the scheduled performance at Campbell's Tavern, Cloughanover, Headford, Co Galway, on July 16th.
Programme details and bookings can be made at the Galway Arts Festival box office in Eyre Square Shopping Centre, tel (091)566577 and online at www.galwayartsfestival.ie