The Earagail Arts Festival have officially launched a jam-packed, fun-filled festival programme at An Grianan Theatre in Letterkenny today. 
Now in its 26th year, the festival is a two week celebration of music, theatre, visual arts, film, literature, circus and carnival.
Taking place from Saturday, 12th – 26th July, Earagail Arts Festival is one of the flagship Donegal events along the Wild Atlantic Way.
This year’s festival has something for everyone, from family and outdoor events to theatre, comedy, art, workshops and music from all corners of the world.
The launch was attended by a host of special guests and friends of the festival and included a range of performances by local musicians and artists.
The festival’s centre-piece production is ‘Fiesta’, a new play celebrating one of the finest dance halls in Ireland. Running from Saturday 12th to Monday 14th July, ‘Fiesta’ is a not-to-be-missed celebration of the music, memories and stories that made the Fiesta Ballroom in Letterkenny so unique.
Other highlights of the festival programme include ‘I Do’, ‘Bombino’, ‘Melting Pod Finale, ‘Imaginarium’ and ‘The Drive-In.’
Donegal County Manager, Mr. Seamus Neely said, “I am delighted to welcome this 26th edition of the Earagail Arts Festival, which continues to act as an annual high profile focus in the county for the very best of contemporary and traditional, local and visiting Irish and international arts.
“This year’s festival has benefited from the input of a rich vein of artistic partners which together showcase the vibrancy, resilience, depth of imagination and community focus that characterises the cultural sector in the county today.
Adding to this, Úna Mc Carthy, Head of Festivals & Events, Arts Council of Ireland said, “The Earagail Arts Festival exudes a strong sense of place and identity and continues to deliver a high quality programme which reaches audiences in strategic and surprising ways.
Festival Director, Paul Brown said, “Earagail Arts Festival is synonymous with award-winning, ground-breaking international and national music, theatre and visual arts.
“The 2014 programme presents new drama that explores the changing patterns of social history in rural Ireland; new site specific theatre, street arts and spectacle; specially commissioned exposés of native spoken word and a host of international music collaborations that bring together local and international players from as far afield as Japan, Egypt, Spain and the United States.
“This year we’re inviting everyone to come along and immerse themselves in the real culture of Donegal.
Joan Crawford, Client Services Manager, Fáilte Ireland said, “Fáilte Ireland is delighted to again support the Earagail Arts Festival as the flagship cultural event in Donegal with appeal to visitors from all over the world.
“The festival achieved significant global recognition with its Homecoming Gathering event in 2013 which leaves it well positioned to grow international bednights for 2014.”
Hosting a vibrant and varied programme throughout Inishowen, Letterkenny and west Donegal, Earagail Arts Festival features the best of local and international performances.
Pick up a copy of the programme today and start planning your summer of festival fun. For full details on the Earagail Arts programme visit www.eaf.ie
Earagail Arts Festival is funded by The Arts Council of Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and Donegal County Council.
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