Midleton Arts Festival returns to East Cork with host of family-friendly events

Fri, 10 May, 2024 - 07:00

Rachel Lysaght

THE Midleton Arts Festival is returning to East Cork this month with a family-friendly programme of events running from May 22 to 26.

Featuring all facets of the arts for all ages, the festival’s theme of ‘Flourish’ is aimed at celebrating artists, environment, and social connection.

The event will take place across four days and festival-goers can expect a range of free and ticketed experiences showcasing the diverse artistic and culinary landscape of this corner of Cork.

The festival kicks off with a powerful performance from Noggin Theatre’s Alice Barry with the unknown story of Irish woman Violet Gibson — The Woman Who Shot Mussolini at My Place Community Centre, Midleton, on May 22 and 23.

On Friday, attendees will have the chance to visit the Variables IV fine art exhibition, curated by Danny McCarthy.

This will feature three local professional artists, Janet Turra, Susan Herlihy and Niall McCarthy.

With music and light refreshments for everyone to enjoy, the night will also showcase Hands, a clay and photographic exhibition of stories from residents of Glendonagh Residential Home, a sound installation from exhibition curator Mr McCarthy called Healing Memories, Walking on Water as well as a host of local young artist exhibitors.

These events are free of charge, with no prior booking required.

Other highlights include music and art in the Fair Green Farmer’s Market on Saturday with performances from the Cork Light Orchestra, workshops and a free family cinema screening, a mini carnival at The Baby Walk with Wobbly Circus and a performance by Blues Soul singer Alicia Olaniran at An Seomra.

Among the other events taking place on Saturday are poetry competitions, literary readings, a cosplay stormtroopers event at The Gate, the Cloyne Cathedral Exhibition, and a flash tattoo event, with designs offered at reduced prices.

The festivities will conclude on Sunday with highlights on the day including an arts and crafts fair, featuring live music on stage from five original musicians.

The Midleton Arts Festival is sponsored by Cork County Council, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Creative Communities, Local Government Ireland and the Creative Ireland Programme.