See photos as Arklow celebrates its cultural diversity at Africa Day festivities
Delighted to have hosted what was the second Africa Day celebration held in Arklow, following on from an indoor event in 2019, an organiser thanked everyone in attendance and those who contributed to the hugely successful day.
'We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who contributed, came and made the day great,' they said.
'A special thanks to Cllr Peir Leonard for her support throughout, Pastor Solomon for the opening speech and presentation of the history of Africa Day and Arklow Municipal District for the space.
'Thanks to An Garda Síochána for making sure everything went smoothly and enjoyable for all, the management of the Royal Hotel for the extra support and space provided and all participants who represented their countries and traditions and engaged with the public.
'A big thanks to Ciste Spreagtha for the funding provided, Rachel of the Colour Club for face painting the young ones and, last but not least, the organising committee for making this great day happen.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Independent
a day ago
- Irish Independent
Wicklow author pens children's picture book inspired by Wexford memories
It was standing room only in Hodges Figgis in Dublin when Aileen, in conversation with RTÉ's Áine Lawlor and publisher Eoghan Mac Giolla Bhríde of Éabhlóid, described creating the book, its inspiration and the decision to publish it as Gaeilge. Attendees could view the original handmade book and a fine-art lithographic print collection, of which NCAD purchased one limited edition copy for their NIVAL collection. Aileen spoke about how, during a dark period in lockdown, she sought her happy places, Cahore beach being one of them, which brought back memories of walking with her mother and encountering foxgloves, lying in the grass, listening to the sounds of nature. Speaking at the launch, Áine recalled when her colleague Aileen from the RTÉ graphics department first shared the book, then a work in progress, how she was immediately drawn to it because of the language used in the book. 'I'm old enough to remember my grandmother using words like fairy fingers and God's little cows; these were the traditional names that I remember when growing up … the story is about a child finding redemption in our nDúchas, and this is a book that gives great meaning to that word Dúchas,' she said.
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Irish Independent
Countdown is on to Ireland's oldest and most unique festival Kerry's Puck Fair
Puck Fair, which runs annually on August 10th, 11th and 12th, can trace its roots back to the ancient Pagan festival of Lughnasa. Among the most well-known traditions of the festival is the crowning of a mountain goat as 'King Puck' each year, his coronation being officiated by the Queen of Puck, a local schoolgirl. This year the honour goes to Robyn O'Shea, pupil at Scoil Réalt na Mara in neighbouring Cromane. 'I have had a lifelong love for the history of Puck Fair and have enjoyed celebrating the festival with my family and friends down through the years. It's the atmosphere that grips me the most, with the town coming alive and celebrating amidst all the music playing and the traditions. I am looking forward to welcoming all those to the town who decide to come home to celebrate with us and also all those who come to visit to experience first hand what this great festival has to offer.' Speaking at the festival's launch, newly elected Kerry TD, Michael Cahill said that he is absolutely delighted to launch Puck Fair 2025. 'Puck Fair, Aonach an Phoic has been celebrated for hundreds of years in this fantastic part of Kerry, where I come from, people set their calendars by Puck. All other events happen either before or after Puck, that is the importance of it,' said Deputy Cahill. "Thousands of people arrive in Killorglin from every corner of the Globe every 10th, 11th and 12th of August annually, much thanks goes to the fantastic work put in by the local organising committee, in cooperation with An Garda Síochána.' Chairperson of the organising committee, Declan Falvey, highlighted the importance of the festival to the town 'Puck Fair is Ireland's oldest festival, and one of the most anticipated events in the Killorglin calendar annually. This year, as always, we have a stellar line up of musicians and activities, so look forward to welcoming crowds from far and wide to Killorglin over the three days of the festival.' This year's festival will also include a fantastic line-up of Irish talent, with musical acts and performances which will cater to audiences of all tastes and ages. Headline acts for this year's festival, which are all free to attend, include the supercharged musical act, The Fogues, the Celtic Irish Rock group Erin's Fury, the long established South West of Ireland Group Truly Diverse, and Jack Keogh. The full list of events for the festival is at
Irish Independent
20-07-2025
- Irish Independent
Galway International Arts Festival 2025: Everything you need to know about its stunning street spectacle
The free event promises to make the city's streets come to life across the two evenings. Here is everything you need to know about one of the festival's most impressive spectacles. Date, time, and where to watch The Street Spectacle will spill onto Galway's streets for one performance on Friday, July 18 from 9.30pm and two further showings on Saturday, July 19 at 6pm and 9.30pm. The hour-long spectacle will travel from Eyre Square down William Street, Shop Street, Mainguard Street and Bridge Street to Dominick Street Lower and Raven Terrace. What you can see This year's spectacle is brought to Galway by parade specialists Planète Vapeur and is called Microcosmos - les Insectes Fantastiques directed by Pierre Povigna, Planète Vapeur. Directed by France's Pierre Povigna, the show will feature giant colourful recreations of insects complemented by performers. Among those on show will be a twelve-metre grasshopper with dazzling eyes and mix of stilt-walkers, musicians and acrobats on its back, as well as a water-spitting, twirling, and disoriented spider. Disruptions are expected An Garda Síochána have encouraged those attending to arrive early and if an area is crowded, to find an alternative viewing spot along the route. Some traffic disruption and parking restrictions are expected around Eyre Square, Eglinton Street, Bridge Street, Dominick Street Lower and neighbouring streets on both evenings. Other street events Galway's streets will also welcome other visual art exhibitions and street spectacles for the remainder of the GIAF. Guru Dudu presents their Silent Disco walking tours, featuring a mix of music hits from the late 20th century and commentary from the tour guide to create a flash mob atmosphere. Renowned Scottish artist David Mach returns to the GIAF with his new site-specific installation Burning Down the House. The exhibition addresses climate change and extends his impressive legacy at the festival.
