Smithfield made its official debut as a concert venue last night when The Manic Street Preachers performed there as part of the Heineken Green Energy Festival. The rejuvenated quarter north of the Liffey is the centrepiece of this weekend's music festival, which runs through the May bank holiday weekend.
Annoyed residents of the surrounding apartments had to show special passes to get into their own homes, and some roof gardens were closed for the duration of the concert. Residents may have been angered by the disruption to their weekend, but up to 10,000 concert-goers were delighted at the chance to see the band performing in this historic part of Dublin.
The Manic Street Preachers' politically charged lyrics and punk energy ensured an incendiary performance from the Welsh trio. Earlier this year, the Manics played a concert in Cuba where they met the country's leader, Fidel Castro. If they stick around for tonight's concert by the Buena Vista Social Club, they'll meet some more Cuban legends, including 89-year-old guitarist and vocalist, Compay Segundo, and 70-year-old singer, Ibrahim Ferrer. In a festival line-up filled with young guns of rock 'n' roll, it's ironic the most popular event is by a traditional group from Havana whose leader is pushing 90. Dublin Castle may now be relegated to second fiddle in the festival, but there should still be a good turn-out for The Divine Comedy and The Frames tonight, and for Scottish band Travis tomorrow and Monday. Fashionable music fans, however, have snapped up all available tickets for French dance act, St Germain, who will perform at the Olympia tonight. The Temple Bar Music Centre plays host to UK bands Elbow, My Vitriol and Mull Historical Society, and is also the location for the final of the Heineken Hot Press Band Challenge on Monday night.
Just in case anyone is unaware that there's a festival on in the city this weekend, a giant "waterscreen" will illuminate the Liffey each night. Water will be pumped 20 metres into the sky, and images will be projected on to the wall of spray. The Heineken Green Energy waterscreen made its Dublin debut at 10 p.m. last night, entertaining the crowds with a splash of lights, lasers and moving images. Also on show is a street exhibition of 20 costumes once worn by the late Thom McGinty, aka The Diceman.
These lavish and colourful costumes, which range from Rocky Horror to Statue Of Liberty, will be displayed daily at 12 p.m., 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. in Grafton Street, Temple Bar and Dublin Castle. The new Smithfield: Weekend supplement
