Earagail Arts Festival officially launched its 2022 programme of events at An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny, on Saturday. Donegal’s premier summer event will make a welcome return to its full programme along the Wild Atlantic Way from July 9 to July 24.
The line-up and brochure were officially launched by Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Jack Murray. Invited guests were also entertained by music by Clare Friel, Brid Harper and Róisín Harrigan of Na SíFiddlers and a special appearance by street performer, The Exotic Dr. Proctor.
With a family-orientated programme from the Gaeltacht islands off the West Donegal coast to Ireland’s most northern village Malin, Earagail Arts Festival has something for all ages. The festival features an expanded programme of circus and street arts performances, masterclasses and camps, with weekend circus hubs in Inishowen and East Donegal.
Marking the official opening, Cllr Murray, pictured right, celebrated the return of a full in-person programme to the Donegal festival.
“After two years of very different festival formats, 2022 marks the return of Donegal’s largest celebration of culture and creativity and it is a major milestone as it is the 35th year of the festival.
“Though primarily a celebration of our vibrant culture, there is also a significant economic return through the festival.
“This is a festival that creates social cohesion, celebrating the creativity and diversity of a modern County Donegal.”
Joan Crawford, Failte Ireland, Cllr Jack Murray, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Street performer Dr Proctor, Paul Browne, CEO & Artistic Director, Earagail Arts Festival and Meabh Conaghan, EAF Chairperson at the official launch of the 35th annual Earagail Arts Festival at An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny.
Ciara Sugrue, Head of Festivals at Fáilte Ireland said: “Fáilte Ireland is pleased to support this year’s Earagail Arts Festival as it returns to County Donegal. Festivals such as this are a brilliant opportunity for visitors to experience what Ireland’s arts, heritage and culture have to offer to people of all interests and ages and offers a great opportunity to explore the best of Donegal and The Wild Atlantic Way.
“Festivals and events are a key component of Ireland’s tourism offering and they provide unique and compelling reasons for a visitor to choose a destination. They also have the ability to drive footfall for local businesses, supporting jobs and revenue generation.
“Festivals such as the Earagail Arts Festival play an important role in the recovery of the tourism sector for Donegal and its surrounding areas.”
CEO & Artistic Director of Earagail Arts Festival, Paul Brown added: “Over the past two years we’ve taken time to reflect and learn and take a new direction –we want to give you the opportunity to shape the festival of the future, to participate, to contribute and to create your own works of art.
“This year an expanded programme of circus and street arts performances, workshops and camps tours the county, with weekend circus hubs in Malin and Raphoe.
VR and graffiti art projects, a rich and diverse music, drama and exhibitions programme, discussions and guided artist walks in the Donegal landscape, all celebrate the indigenous life, nature and culture of this magnificent part of Ireland.”
Street Performer Dr Proctor entertains at the official launch of the 35th annual Earagail Arts Festival at An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny.
Acts appearing at events throughout the festival, which includes the Wild Atlantic Weekend on The Green in Malin, will be popular performers such as Tumble Circus, Fanzinis, Swarm, Baubo Theatre, The Adventures of Dr Proctor and much more.
The line-up features lots of musical highlights including SOAK, The Ghostlight Sessions with Dark Tropics, Laytha and Winnie Ama, Rónán Ó Snodaigh & Myles O’Reilly, Suonno D’Ajere from Italy, Iarla Ó Lionáird & Ryan Molloy, String Ninjas, Tanya McCole, Problem Patterns, Goitse, The Henry Girls & Na SíFiddlers, Ye Vagabonds, Diane Cannon, Clann Mhic Ruairí and Honeyfeet,
Earagail Arts Festival is kindly supported by Donegal County Council, Arts Council Ireland and Wild Atlantic Way. Visit eaf.ie for more information and bookings.
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