Don Quixote, Turlough O'Carolan, Hans Christian Andersen and Christy Moore are among the range of artists, past and present, reflected in this year's Clifden Arts Festival programme which begins in Connemara today.
"How a boring old man became a romantic hero" is the title of the opening event - a tribute to Spanish author Cervantes by Dr EM Andrews of the University of Nottingham on the 400th anniversary of the publication of Don Quixote. It takes place in Clifden library this afternoon.
The formal festival launch will be marked by poet, author and broadcaster Theo Dorgan in the West Connemara Leisure Centre tonight.
Poets Áine Ní Ghloinn, Rita Ann Higgins, Michael Longley, Dennis O'Driscoll, Bernard O'Donoghue, Paula Meehan, Mary O'Malley and the aforementioned Theo Dorgan will give readings during the 10-day event,while a feast of music will be provided by Rob Strong, Christy Moore, Declan Sinnott, Liam Lawton, Don Baker and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra among others.
Former Siptu leader Des Geraghty and author Ulick O'Connor will present an evening of poetry, music and song by Brendan Behan on Sunday night.
Music Network will present a series of "Young Musicwide Award" concerts by Carol McGonnell, Finghin Collins and Catherine Leonard in the Church of Ireland church, Clifden, next week. The Crash Ensemble will play in the same venue.
There will be traditional sean-nós evenings, sessions from the Kilfenora Céilí Band and Liz and Yvonne Kane, late night jazz and music from Poland.
Comedy will be provided by Jason Byrne and Niall Tóibín, and talks will be given by journalists John Waters and Eoghan Harris.
Tickets and further information are available from 095-21644/21295 or on the website www.clifdenartsweek.ie.
