Feile 2000, billed as the biggest Irish-language arts festival ever, has opened in Galway city with a seven-day feast of events.
Banrion Alainn an Lionain, the Irish premiere of Martin McDonagh's celebrated play, The Beauty Queen of Leenane, and Tom MacIntyre's version of the Merriman classic, Cuirt an Mhean Oiche, are among the highlights of the theatrical programme.
The festival of drama, music and art - and a bit of debate thrown in for good measure - was opened at the Arts Centre last night by the Minister of State for the Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, Mr Eamon O Cuiv, and the British Minister of Trade, Mr Brian Wilson.
The musical dimension includes Micheal O Suilleabhain with the Irish Chamber Orchestra and Lillis O Laoire; Liam O Maonlai, of the Hothouse Flowers, with Maighread and Triona ni Dhomhanill, Maire Breathnach and John Spillane; and an evening of Scottish performers.
The visual arts are represented by the Tory Island artists, and by a special exhibition in the Galway Arts Centre in Dominick Street entitled Fis agus Teanga.
For details and bookings, the festival office is at (091) 569777.
