What’s on this weekend across Ireland

MusicTown festival

The inaugural festival kicked off in Dublin city on Friday and will run until April 19th. The eclectic programme includes more than 50 events for all ages and a mix of music genres including classical, electronic, opera, hip-hop and rock. Performances will include contemporary opera from the Wide Open Opera, young urban rapper Lethal Dialect to free classical lunchtime performances at the Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane. Family activities will include Rock on Baby Workshops in the Ark, Temple Bar.

To see the full programme go to www.musictown.ie

The Bright Side of Life festival

A collection of unheard songs from comedian and musician Spike Milligan will be heard for the first time by festival goers in Sligo this weekend. The Bright Side of Life festival, which will run until Sunday, April 12th, is holding an arts festival to celebrate mental health and creativity in honour of Milligan. The festival will close with the first public performance of Milligan's new songs by his daughter, Jane Milligan, on Sunday. Other events will feature art, theatre, comedy, music, literature, talks and workshops for all ages.

For the full list of shows go to www.spikesligo.com

West Waterford festival of food

Dungarvan will celebrate food and generations of Irish food stories with its eight West Waterford Festival of Food this weekend. There will be discussions, cooking demonstrations and food trails around the town during the festival. On Saturday, Busanna Bia tours will leave from Shandon carpark at 10am, visiting producers and tasting their wares. Other events include 50 Shades of Tae, seaweed seminars and Irish craft in a glass. Events will run until Sunday and are a mix of free and ticketed.

[ www.westwaterfordfestivaloffood.com ]

Great Ireland run

The Great Ireland run will take place in Phoenix Park on Saturday. Fast paced club runners and first timers will all meet on the starting line of the 10km course. The day will include the junior and mini-events including a 1.6km course for 3 to 8-year-olds and a 2.5km stretch for 9 to 15-year-olds. The first junior race will begin at 11.30am and main event at 1.30pm. There is also an All Ireland County Challenge. Race entry costs €29. To enter sign up before 4pm on Friday.

[ www.greatirelandrun.org ]

Cork Tango festival

A festival devoted to tango will continue in Cork city until Sunday. There will be a number of workshops, seminars and maestro-led classes for dancers from beginners’ level to advanced at the Montenotte Hotel. Yoga and Feldenkrais classes have been organised to relax and sooth dancers inbetween workshops.The festival will also host late night dancing and tango cafes.

[ www.corktangofestival.com ]