All About Cork: Theatre group look for people to add to ‘Book of Graffiti’

Blackpool-based Graffiti Theatre is continuing its 40th anniversary celebrations and are seeking contributions for the ‘Book of Graffiti’ from people who may have been associated with the organisation in the past.

The theatre said on its Facebook page: “Join us in celebrating our 40th Anniversary by taking a journey down memory lane. This year, as part of our celebrations, we’re capturing and sharing the stories and recollections that have shaped Graffiti over the past FOUR decades.

Were you a part of Graffiti?

“Whether you’re a young person (former or current!), parent, teacher, artist, employee, Activate youth theatre member, or friend, past or present, we want to hear from you! Share your memorable moments with us, no matter how big or small.

“Every encounter counts.

“Whether you have a single sentence or an entire memoir to contribute, your story is valuable to us. Together, these collective experiences will create the ‘Book of Graffiti,’ a living history of our vibrant community.

You can choose to contribute anonymously or include your name — it’s entirely up to you.

“There’s also the option to upload a photo or any other paper artefact from Graffiti’s history that you may have in your possession — an old programme, a flyer, a piece of script etc. We want to see it all!

“Help us to celebrate the legacy of Graffiti Theatre Company. Your memories are the heart of our history.”

To share your story, fill out the form at https://shorturl.at/osOOf

Graffiti Theatre is supported by funding from The Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon, Cork City Council, Cork Arts, Ealaín na Gaeltachta, Foras Na Gaeilge, and Tomar Trust.

Relics of St Bernadette on show

The Relics of St Bernadette of Lourdes are set to be on pilgrimage in Ireland this October and will be in the Diocese of Cork and Ross later this month. They are scheduled to visit the local parish on October 30 and 31.

St Bernadette is said to have witnessed 18 apparitions of Our Lady at Lourdes back in 1858 and countless millions of people have since visited Lourdes with countless cases of miracles reported over the years.

The parish said: “This visit of St Bernadette’s relics will afford to the many people who can’t go to Lourdes an opportunity to get close to St Bernadette and to Our Lady of Lourdes.”

People will be able to venerate the relics at the Cathedral of St Mary and St Anne in Cork city, and at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Clonakilty.

A full programme list is available here: https://tinyurl.com/ye28p6b5

Outlet opens in Blackpool

Sports retailer JD Sports have opened in Blackpool Retail Park.

The popular chain have moved into a unit that was previously occupied by Lifestyle Sports.

Lifestyle moved out in early 2023 but the vacant unit has now been taken over by JD.

Blackpool Shopping Centre and Retail Park said on their Facebook page: JD sports now open at Blackpool, very welcome addition to our retailer mix of stores.

It comes not long after international home furnishing retailer Jysk received planning permission to open its fourth store in Cork in August

The plans proposed the conversion of Unit 2 Block B in Blackpool Retail Park and were given the go ahead by Cork City Council.

TD seeks flood protection scheme extended to Blackpool

TD Thomas Gould has said the Individual Property Protection Scheme that’s been opened for Midleton and East Cork homes should also be opened for Blackpool.

The Sinn Féin representative told The Echo:

“I cannot believe that the scheme opened for homes in Midleton for protection from flooding has not also been opened for Blackpool. Once again, Blackpool has been forgotten by this Government. Just like Midleton, Blackpool is awaiting flood-relief and was flooded during Storm Babet. These seem to be the criteria so I have written to the Minister for the Office of Public Works requesting that the scheme be extended to people in Blackpool. I cannot understand how one town is eligible for it but Blackpool village isn’t given something similar. The two recent orange weather warnings caused real fear for people in Blackpool — people shouldn’t be scared because of rain but without flood relief, every single time it rains their homes and businesses are at risk.”

Jazz exhibition for festival

A unique exhibition coming to Cork city will excite fans of jazz.

Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, We Got The Jazz and TheRecordHub.com have announced a unique celebration marking 85 years of the iconic jazz label, Blue Note Records, with an exhibition at St Peter’s Cork for the duration of the festival.

This first-of-its-kind collaboration showcases the profound impact Blue Note has had on the worlds of both jazz and visual art.

Running throughout the festival, the free to visit installation provides a rich, interactive experience for music and art lovers alike. Visitors can enjoy a walk-through display of Blue Note’s legendary album covers and discover the label’s deep roots in shaping modern jazz. It will be complemented by the launch of Blue Note’s first-ever pop-up store in Ireland, in association with TheRecordHub.com, offering an array of merchandise and memorabilia.

Fans will have the chance to purchase exclusive merch and the pop up shop will also feature rare vinyl, CDs, and Blu-Ray copies of Blue Note Records Beyond The Notes, as well as a anniversary edition of the acclaimed book Blue Note: Uncompromising Expression: The Finest in Jazz Since 1939 by the late Richard Havers.

In addition to Blue Note’s exclusive items, the store will offer curated stock from Ireland’s own vinyl emporium, TheRecordHub.com, making this a must-visit destination for jazz enthusiasts during the festival.

The pop-up will open for four days only from Thursday, October 24 to Monday, October 28 stocking the largest physical collection of Blue Note, Jazz and modern vinyl for sale in Ireland, along with exclusive merchandise, books, branded clothing and more.

“We are really excited to welcome 85 Years of Blue Note to St Peter’s for the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival,” one of the curators involved, Cork’s Stevie G, said.

“Blue Note is an iconic label that continues to reflect the many shapes of jazz and its heritage is unparalleled.

“This exhibition is going to be a visual feast for music, art and design lovers of all ages, and it’s an exciting collaboration.”

Have Blackpool news to share? Contact Robert.mcnamara@theecho.ie