Clonmel’s annual arts festival bursts into life this Friday with a mixture of Irish and international performers from the worlds of theatre, music and family entertainment.

Music

Music is one of the strongest strands of the festival programme. Highlights include gigs by some of the cream of the Irish live scene including Fight Like Apes, Gemma Hayes, Jack L, Jamie Lawson and Declan O’Rourke. Visiting acts from around the globe include an evening of Flamenco music and dance with Constelaciones, Cuban collective La Zikabilo and American folk artists Breathe Owl Breath.

Family entertainment

The legendary Barrabas Theatre Company present ‘City of Clowns‘ from Sunday through to Wednesday while Edinburgh Fringe First Award winner Bound promises to ignite and capture the imagination. Puca Puppets‘ show ‘Stone Soup‘ is a perfect fit for little ones between 5 and 10 years old while teens can head to O’Keefes on the afternoon of Wednesday 6th for a special all ages show by Irish chart pop-rockers Royseven.

Theatre & comedy

Described by the festival as “Desperate Housewives on the Coleville Road”, ‘The Blonde, The Brunette and the Vengeful Redhead‘ sounds like the makings of a fun night out for the girls. Another Fringe Festival favourite ‘Fhlip Fhlop‘ (above) somehow marries comedy, beat boxing, hip hop and DJ’ing while ‘I am a Man’ by Dublin playwright Iris Park provides something altogether more sombre and pensive.

A lot of these events are ticketed but there’s plenty of free events and entertainment to be found over the 10 days of the festival around Clonmel with the Family Fun Saturday offering a full day an array of events throughout the town all for free.

I’m really only scratching the surface here so if you’re thinking of heading to Clonmel for some of the action do have a look at the full programme on the website.

You can keep up with the festival action online via the blog, Facebook and Twitter and tickets can be bought online via the festival website. Enjoy!