A RECESSION-proof St Patrick’s Festival was promised by organisers yesterday as the extended six-day festival got under way in Dublin with comedy, traditional music and art workshops.
The festival’s funds were cut by 8 per cent to €1.2 million this year but spokeswoman Alison Kelly said the public would not notice the difference because of the creative and innovative way the festival had been planned.
Underlining this optimism, the festival organisers have chosen the theme “The Sky’s the Limit”.
“Yes, you could say the festival is recession-proof,” she said. “Everyone needs a big boost at the moment and we intend to celebrate. It’s just what the country needs.”
The festival contains many of the features of previous years such as the family fun fair at Merrion Square, the Céilí Mór and the treasure hunt but also new events such as The Spheres show at the Dublin Docklands.
This mix of theatre, dance and circus performance involves giant illuminated orbs which reveal characters who seem to bend at near-impossible angles. It will be presented by the Strange Fruit company from Melbourne tonight and tomorrow night.
Ms Kelly said the festival office phone was “ringing off the hook” with people looking for tickets for this event.
The National Lottery Skyfest, which was moved outside Dublin to Cashel for the first time last year, will be held in Waterford city this year. It will be broadcast live on RTÉ 1 at 7.30pm tomorrow.
The Skyfest will include fireworks over the river Suir with entertainment by Kíla and local band Torann.
But the highlight of the festival is still expected to be the St Patrick’s Day parade and organisers expect Tuesday’s parade to attract more than 500,000 people. Ms Kelly said numbers could swell to 650,000 if the weather was good.
It will also be broadcast on RTÉ 1 and available online with live streaming.
More than 2,000 performers will take part in the parade which will take 1½ hours to wind its way around the city.
The global downturn has not resulted in any performers cancelling their appearances and eight bands from the US will join with bands from Canada, Germany, Italy and Ireland in the parade.
A GAA pageant, “Monumental Moments” will lead the parade to mark the GAA’s 125th anniversary. GAA stars Brian Dooher, Henry Shefflin, Angela Walsh and Caitríona Foley will act as the joint grand marshals. GAA commentator Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh will make them feel at home by providing the commentary.
Fáilte Ireland estimates that the St Patrick’s festival celebrations attract some 50,000 tourists to Ireland every year.
St Patrick's Day Festival: The main events
Today
The Spheres at the Dublin Docklands. A performance mix of theatre, dance and circus.
The funfair at Merrion Square.
Gaelspraoi practical film-making workshop through Irish at the IFI on Eustace Street with professional film-maker, Dónal Ó Cealleacháir. Aimed at film-makers aged 13-17.
Gaelspraoí concert with traditional music group Téada at 6 Harcourt Street.
Tomorrow
Denny treasure hunt around the city from 10am. Register at City Hall.
The National Lottery Skyfest in Waterford, 7pm.
Céilí House live in concert at the National Concert Hall at 8pm.
Sunday
Denny Big Day Out at Merrion Square with family entertainment and the Céilí Mór.
St Patrick's 5km festival road race starting at the Mansion House at noon.
Motorsport city drive starting at Parnell Square at 2pm.
Historical walking tour with historian Pat Liddy. Meet at St Patrick's Park, beside St Patrick's Cathedral, at 11.30am.
Monday
How Irish is Ireland? Panel discussion in association with the Dubliner magazine, Liberty Hall, 6.30pm.
Cabaret Craiceáilte, Odeon Bar, Harcourt Street, from 8pm.
Tuesday
St Patrick's Day parade in Dublin starting at Parnell Square North at noon.
Hill walking tour of Glenmalure "as Gaeilge", leaving from ESB offices, Fitzwilliam Street, at 10am.
The Irish Scattering with Seán Keane and a selection of traditional musicians and dancers, National Concert Hall, 8pm.
For a full list of events, see
www.stpatricksfestival.ie
