THE FIFTH annual Kinsale Arts Week defied inclement weather to open as scheduled on Saturday night. Heavy winds and driving rain forced organisers to move the opening ceremony to an indoor venue in the coastal town.
Opening the festival, Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin stressed the importance of the arts to Ireland. “We are a creative people and we need to emphasise and highlight our creativity as a people,” he said,
Comedy, film, theatre, music and visual arts will all figure prominently throughout the week which continues until next Sunday.
Paul Brady was the main attraction on Saturday night, while rockabilly singer Imelda May, comedian David O’Doherty and Man Booker Prize-winning novelist John Banville are among the top draws over the coming days.
A spokeswoman said the festival had been organised against difficult conditions. “There have been a lot of financial constraints this year. We lost most of our sponsors, but we still put it together.”
She said ticket sales had been brisk, meaning the event already looked likely to be a success.
“The ticket sales this year have been faster than in any of the previous years,” she added. “That may be reflective of the eclectic mix this year. There is literally something for everyone.”