Cork city streets set host a feast of music and dancing this Sunday

STREETS in Cork will become a dancefloor, echoing the sound of big brass and percussion sound of Boola Boom this weekend as the first of the city’s ‘Open Streets’ events takes place.

However the message from Cork City Council and its partners in Cork Chamber, Cork Business Association, the Cork Environmental Forum, the Transport and Mobility Forum, the Cork Cycling Group, Bus Éireann, Irish Rail and the Gardaí, is for people to come to town without their cars by walking, cycling, or using public transport.

Open Streets will take place on Sunday on Cornmarket Street, North Main Street, and Patrick Street and will run from 1pm.

Dancefloor

At that time, Cornmarket Street will be transformed into a dancefloor from 1pm to 5pm, and it will be an opportunity to ‘travel the world in 90 dances’ and learn dances as varied as céilí and kizomba, breakdancing, or belly dancing.

North Main St will become a ‘pop-up playground’, which is being organised by Let’s Play Cork and featuring games designed to delight young and old alike.

Meanwhile, ‘Pana’ is to become a ‘mini cycle village’ with various types of bikes on show.

While the quays and all car parks will be opening as normal, closures will apply to Cornmarket St, North Main St, Castle St, Adelaide St and Patrick Street from 1pm to 5pm.

Buses and taxis will be able to access Patrick St as normal, and access for blue badge holders will also be facilitated as usual.

Other Open Streets events scheduled include Sunday, June 16, when Oliver Plunkett St will host events during Cork Midsummer Festival, the North Main Street Carnival on August 24, Autumn Fest on Douglas St on September 1, and Cornmarket St and North Main St on Culture Night, September 20.

Organisers say they would welcome suggestions from other groups in the city and its suburbs who wish to host similar events.