This afternoon sees the launch by Temple Bar Properties of both their summer season programme, Diversions, and the TASCQ initiative. TASCQ translates as Traders in the Area Supporting the Cultural Quarter, with pubs and hotels contributing £200,000 for cleaning, environmental maintenance and a portion of the planned summer cultural programme. The latter will soak up one third of the budget, and go towards a range of events such as street theatre and the children's Sunday Circus. The circus features a 50-foot sperm whale with an underwater kingdom inside its belly, where theatrical performances for children will take place.

Traders and publicans rowed in after a call by Temple Bar Properties to curb the "stag tourism" which had become so prevalent in the area. A "safe, dynamic and fun area" is what TASCQ hopes to achieve and it kick-starts the concept today with a teaser performance by the all-woman, circus/theatre Circo Rum Ba Ba. The May programme includes daily performances from Circo Rum Ba Ba noon-3 p.m. in Temple Bar Square, Saturday Street Music 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. on Temple Bar Square as well as the food and book markets.