Summer in Dublin 2007, a programme of leisure, retail and cultural activities, was launched yesterday by Dublin City Business Association and Dublin City Council amidst a fanfare of colour and noise.
The events aim to encourage people to celebrate summer in the capital. Giving a flavour of what is in store were Filipino dancers in flamboyant traditional costume, who were promoting Philippines Independence Day, which will be celebrated on June 9th in Raheny.
Also high-kicking up a storm at the launch were Cain Fogarty and Kaila Troy from dance and performing arts club Streets Ahead, who hope to take part in the world hip-hop and break-dancing championships in Los Angeles. They will be "jamming" with skaters, BMX bike riders, bladers, artists and musicians at one of Summer 2007's events, Kings of Concrete Boards: Bikes: Balls: Beats.
No Dublin cultural event would be complete without two of its most celebrated literary characters, Leopold and Molly Bloom, who popped up to toast the launch as did several cartoon Dublin castles, to represent Dublin City Council's new logo for Summer 2007; "playful" pink, orange and green castles.
Communication manager for Dublin City Council Michael Sands said the council was working with Dublin Docklands Development Authority, Office of Public Works, Temple Bar Cultural Trust, the National Museum, National Concert Hall and James Joyce Cultural Centre to provide events for all the family. "We want to bring new Irish cultures to meet the old."