Fun-filled weekend of music and nudity

A fun-filled weekend of music, sports and nudity kicks off early today with free hugs for the general public in the centre of Dublin.

Broadcaster Ray D'Arcy will be joining Google employees and representatives from the SpunOut.ie National Youth website in what is thought to be Ireland's biggest ever 'free hugs' event.

The Hugs for Healthevent is designed to raise awareness of SpunOut.ie and its role in supporting and empowering young people via the internet. The event will see Ray D'Arcy join teams of huggers roaming around Grafton Street and St. Stephen's Green with 'Free Hugs' banners, offering cuddles to all and sundry.

Some people who may not want to get close enough to hug are the volunteers taking part in tomorrow's nude photoshoot at Dublin Docklands. Over 1,000 people are expected to remove their clothes for the Dare to Barechallenge set by US photographer Spencer Tunick from 3am onwards. Registration for the event is now closed.

Thankfully for those intending to undress for the art installation, Met Éireann forecast that Saturday morning should be dry but may be chilly. As the day progresses however, cloudy, wet, breezy weather is expected to extend to all parts of the country. Sunday is predicted to be windy with plenty or rain and occasional sunshine.

The annual Gay Pride Parade takes place in Dublin tomorrow with over 5,000 participants expected to march through the city centre. Rolling road closures will be in place along the route and motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible.

Elsewhere, there's music a-plenty on offer over the next few days with the Marquee in Cork playing host to X-Factorwinner Shane Ward this evening, Eric Clapton tomorrow night and Dolly Parton on Sunday.

AA Ireland warns that extra traffic can be expected in the area before and after the concerts.

The critically acclaimed singer Joan As Police Woman is also in Cork on Sunday where she'll be performing tracks from her latest album, To Survive.

In Dublin, music of a different sort is on the agenda with Pipeworks, a festival celebrating organ and choral music, taking place over the weekend. The festival opens with a screening of the classic silent film, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, with improvised organ accompaniment by David Briggs in Christ Church Cathedral this evening.

Jazz fans are also in for a treat as Jazz legend Billy Cobham takes to the stage at Andrews Lane Theatre tonight with profits from the concert going to Bare Feet International, a charity which sponsors youth development in Tanzania.

Meanwhile, gig-goers in Galway will also get a chance to see Shane Ward in the flesh as he supports Westlife at the Pearse Stadium in Salthill tomorrow. The concert is sold-out and AA Ireland warns that delays are expected in the area surrounding the concert.

Bus Éireann will provide a shuttle bus service, from outside the Skeffington Arms Hotel on Eyre Square to Salthill for the event. The first bus will depart at 2pm and patrons will be dropped off at Dalysfort Road/Promenade Junction. Return buses, to the city centre, will depart from outside Scoil Éinde on Dr. Mannix Road after the concert.

Sports fans are also in for a full weekend with All Ireland Corporate Games taking place in Limerick along with the Mullaghmore triathlon on tomorrow in Co Sligo.

Fermanagh are set to play Derry in the Ulster FSC tomorow at Healy Park in Omagh, while Croke Park on Sunday will be hosting both the Leinster football semi-final clash between Laois and Wexford and the Hurling Senior Championship replay betweem Dublin and Wexford.

The Munster Hurling Championship semi-finals will also take place at Semple Stadium in Thurles on Sunday where Limerick take on Clare.

Motorists are warned that traffic volumes are likely to be greater than normal around the various stadiums both before and after the games.