Weekend Guide: Literary festival on Spike Island, feast of food, and more

Weekend plans? JOHN DOLAN takes a look at some of the standout shows and events taking place Leeside this Saturday and Sunday. 
Weekend Guide: Literary festival on Spike Island, feast of food, and more

The Spike Island Literary Festival takes place this weekend. Picture: Larry Cummins

THEATRE

Saturday

Judy - End Of The Rainbow, Everyman, €25, 7.30pm: Vivid recreation of the career of Hollywood legend Judy Garland, featuring West End star Anna-Jane Casey. Final performance.

The Rime Of The Ancient Mariner, Cork Arts Theatre, €20, 8pm: A spellbinding theatrical retelling of Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s timeless masterpiece, the story of an epic sea journey.

RAPT, Firkin Crane, €15, 7.30pm: Presented as part of UpDown Circus Festival RAPT addresses our problematic relationship to the world through the tools of contemporary juggling.

MUSIC

Saturday

Wallis Bird with support from Caoi De Barra, Briery Gap, Macroom, €29, 8pm: Bird brings her intense energy, magnificent voice, and endearing vulnerability to Briery Gap for the Irish tour of her new album, I Can See Your House From Here.

Spotlight Chamber Music Series, Triskel Arts Centre, €18-15, 1pm: Three of Ireland’s most accomplished chamber musicians come together to present a beautiful programme encompassing contrasting genres and a variety of sonic landscapes.

The Legend Of Luke Kelly, Sea Church, Ballycotton, €25, 8pm: Created and performed by the renowned Dublin singer and multi-instrumentalist Chris Kavanagh, this show pays tribute to the late, great singer.

Absolute Eagles - A Tribute To The Eagles, Cyprus Avenue, €25, 7pm: Musical journey through the hits of one of the greatest bands ever.

OTHER EVENTS

Saturday

Paint & Prosecco, Monty’s Inion, Midleton, €15, 5.30pm: Artist Ciara Wall guides you through your very own masterpiece. No experience needed, just good company and a bit of creative fun. The €15 includes drinks and nibbles. All materials provided. Part of Feast Cork. See feastcork.ie

Cape Clear International Storytelling Festival, various venues: As well as stories, visitors can take part in workshops, family events, a heritage walk and events as Gaeilge. Visit www.capeclearstorytelling.com for the full programme, tickets, accommodation and ferry information. Also runs on Sunday.

Spike Island Literary Festival: Now in its fifth year, the event boasts a gripping programme dedicated to the art of crime writing. This year’s programme features renowned authors such as Mark Billingham, Andrea Mara, Stuart Neville, and Catherine Ryan Howard. Also Sunday. See spikeislandcork.ie

Gaeltacht Immersion Day – Béal Átha An Ghaorthaidh, An Súgán, Béal Átha An Ghaorthaidh, €40, 10am: Spend a day living Irish in the Gaeltacht. Choose your level, enjoy lunch and a guided cultural activity. No experience needed.

Sunday

Feast Street Food Market, Main Street, Midleton, 10am-5pm: The town comes alive with a vibrant selection of the finest street food stalls Cork has to offer. Part of Feast Cork. See feastcork.ie

Guggi, Triskel Arts Centre, €8, 2pm: Screening of the documentary about one of Ireland’s most celebrated contemporary artists. 

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