THOSE FEELING downcast by economic woes, impending budget blues and heavy rainfall may find their spirits lifted this weekend as a host of festivals, events and sporting fixtures take place across the country.
SURF’S UP
Up to 7,500 people are expected in Co Clare this weekend for the Cois Fharraige music and surf event featuring bands like Supergrass, Kila, Travis and Seasick Steve. The event will also see Irish and international surfers taking to the Atlantic ocean for a two-day professional surfing tournament at Spanish Point beach. The Neill Gavin Traditional Music Festival will also take place this weekend in the nearby town of Moyasta, adding to increased traffic volumes in the area.
FRINGE
“Flash mob opera” in which participants appear spontaneously, contortionists and a ballet involving a JCB digger are promised as the 14th annual Dublin Fringe Festival begins today. Expect to see cats morphing into actors, a tent of mirrors, “pimped-up” artworks from Will St Leger and a giant test tube filled with water and a man. The busy line-up also includes performance art from 12 countries, Appointment in Limbo, Patrick McCabe’s new play and live performances from The Fall, The Sugar Hill Gang and Camille.
OPERA
Verdi’s tragic masterpiece Rigoletto opens the 2008 Anna Livia Dublin Opera Festival at the Gaiety theatre tomorrow. Running until Sunday, September 14th, the festival will also host Samson et Dalila, the three-act opera by Camille Saint-Saëns. With tickets starting at €12.50, the festival provides a chance to see grand opera in Dublin.
PLANET LOVE
Northern Ireland’s biggest annual electronic music event continues today at Shane’s Castle, Co Antrim. More than 100 DJs including Judge Jules, Lisa Lashes and Ferry Corsten will hit the decks across nine arenas.
RACING
Racing today at Leopardstown racecourse is due to begin at 1.40pm, subject to a track inspection this morning. If it fails, the meeting will take place tomorrow. At Dundalk racecourse tomorrow, the first race is at 2.35pm, with family events expected to attract a larger crowd than usual.