Latest news with #KaleidoscopeFestival
Irish Times
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Kaleidoscope 2025 at Russborough House with Texas and The Coronas: Ticket information, what's on for kids and more
Kaleidoscope is billed as Ireland's most family-friendly, fully inclusive festival of the summer and runs this weekend from Friday, July 4th, , to Sunday, July 6th, in the grounds of Russborough House, Blessington, Co Wicklow . The organisers expect thousands of families for three days and nights, the week after the final school bells rang for summer holidays. How do I get there? Russborough House and Park in Blessington, Co Wicklow, is located just off the N81, about 30 minutes from Dublin. The Eircode is W91 W284, and GPS co-ordinates are: 53.1417N, 6.5695W. Cars, caravans and campervans should follow the festival traffic signs, and directions of stewards and gardaí. There is no right or left turn allowed off the N81 at the L3863 towards Russborough House. From Dublin/M50/N81 route : Drive through Blessington town on the N81 and turn right at the Burgage roundabout, then left on to the Kilmalum road. Continue on the L6052 until the L3863, turn left and be directed into the car parks via Gate 1. READ MORE From Naas/M7/M9/M7/M9 route : Take the south Naas exit from the M7 junction 10), take the Naas ring road as far as the R411 roundabout and join the R411 and through to Ballymore Eustace. Follow the L6056 and enter the festival site via Gate 1. From Carlow/N81 northbound route : All festival traffic heading northbound on the N81 will be directed to Ballymore Eustace. Follow the L6056 and enter the festival site at Gate 1. What's on? There will be hundreds of family activities, shows and surprises alongside headliners featuring global and Irish music stars Ocean Colour Scene, Texas and the Coronas. . The line-up also features The Riptide Movement, Allie Sherlock, Simple Things and Hermitage Green. You'll also find a bubble show, an array of cooking, circus and acting displays, baby sensory events, children's author talks, the national reptile zoo and robotics experts. Tickets Tickets are still available at and Ticketmaster , with an adult weekend pass for €115 plus booking fee and a child weekend pass for €87.55. There are also day tickets, with children's from €39.40 and adult's from €56.25 plus booking fee. Babies go free, but must be booked. Take note that ID is required for all ticket holders, regardless of age. Security is family-friendly, with the main concern that parents and children don't get separated. Children get a paper wristband on which their parent's number can be written. Organisers encourage parents to choose a memorable meeting point on site. Times Car parks are beside the campsites, which fill up quickly, so walking distance from car to tent can vary. Driving is not permitted on the camping fields and trolleys/buggies are permitted to help move belongings. Camping equipment and cooking The campsite at the festival. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw Barbecues and hot coals/ash must be disposed of in metal bins, and not plastic bins, in the campsite cooking area. Barbecues can only be used in the designated campsite cooking area. No gas barbecues are allowed and no barbecues can be used in the main tent camping space. Caravans and campervans can use awnings, but be mindful not to interfere with the space of fellow campers. There are communal charging points at the site but no electric hookups. All camping gear, equipment and vehicles are to be cleared from the site by noon on Monday, July 7th. The festival asks visitors to leave no trace, to help protect and maintain the area. At the Babazone campsite, there are facilities to heat up and sterilise baby bottles. Food and drink Festivalgoers can bring their own food, soft drinks and water, but no glass is allowed. Bring reusable and refillable water bottles for all the family – there are plenty of free drinking water points. Organisers ask you not to bring your own alcohol beyond your tent. Day-ticket holders cannot bring their own alcohol. Alcohol purchased at Kaleidoscope can be consumed anywhere on site. There will be searches between the campsites and main arena and any alcohol found will be confiscated and disposed. Payment Kaleidoscope has partnered with AIB to bring AIB Tappy to the festival. Everyone's wristband will include a RDIF chip that can be topped up via your phone, on the festival website and via the QR code on the wristband, or at one of the AIB Tappy kiosks using cash or card. Festivalgoers can pay for food, drinks, merchandise, funfair rides and activities via AIB Tappy. Inclusivity All Abilities Ireland are working with the festival on its accessibility programme. There are accessible campsites with plenty of room for those with all abilities and needs, wheelchair-accessible toilets in the accessible campsite and accessible showers in the shower block beside the campsite. Accessible car parking is near the campsite. The main stage and Zozimus stage both have accessible viewing platforms. The All Abilities Sensory Tent is open Saturday and Sunday, 10am-5pm. It's a fun and calming space to get a break from the buzz of the festival. Throughout the day the team will offer audiovisual, tactile and messy play activities to entice all the senses. The All Abilities Sensory Tent is located in the east courtyard of Russborough House, on the way to the arena.
IOL News
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Kaleidoscope Festival 2025: a celebration of music and culinary artistry in Prince Albert
Gardening, Prince Albert, Karoo, South Africa travel Prince Albert is the setting for the Kaleidoscope Festival 2025 Image: Supplied This August, the picturesque town of Prince Albert will transform into a vibrant hub of creativity and culture as the Kaleidoscope Festival 2025 invites locals and visitors to immerse themselves in a unique three-day experience from August 22 to August 24. This year's festival promises an extraordinary showcase of South African talent, featuring new commissions and world premieres that reflect the rich musical tapestry of the nation. The Kaleidoscope Festival is not merely a series of concerts; it is an immersive cultural journey that marries world-class classical and chamber music with gastronomy inspired by the heritage of the Karoo. Attendees can expect not only captivating performances but also a symphony of flavours, where intimate concerts unfold in historic venues and gourmet food pairings delight the senses under the expansive Karoo skies. The festival's lineup boasts an impressive array of celebrated musicians, including Hendrik Hofmeyr, Minette du Toit-Pearce, and the ARCO Youth Orchestra. Also featuring prominent artists such as Schalk Joubert, Nick Turner, Louise Lansdown, and Tony Alcock, this year's event is poised to be a compelling display of both established and emerging musical talent. Concerts will take place against the stunning backdrop of iconic venues, including The Swartberg Pass, The Yellow House, and Gay's Dairy. Each location will contribute its own ambience to the performances, enriching the overall festival experience for attendees. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The Kaleidoscope Festival is not merely a series of concerts; it is an immersive cultural journey that marries world-class classical and chamber music with gastronomy inspired by the heritage of the Karoo. Image: Supplied Kaleidoscope Festival proudly emphasised place-based storytelling, highlighting the significance of arts and culture in cultivating civic pride and stewardship. By transforming everyday spaces like churches, farms, and heritage homes into cultural stages, the festival seeks to foster a reconnection with the unique sense of place and inspire collaboration among community groups. This endeavour brings together artists, youth, volunteers, and local businesses to create a festival that resonates with meaning and nurtures a shared identity. Importantly, the Kaleidoscope Festival is designed to be welcoming to all, particularly those who may be curious about classical music but feel intimidated by its often formal nature. The festival aims to remove those barriers, inviting audiences to explore music in accessible and immersive ways. Whether attending a family-friendly concert featuring young musicians or enjoying a string quartet complemented by exquisite Karoo lamb and local wines, all guests are encouraged to delve into new musical experiences and foster lasting connections with the genre.
The Irish Sun
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Two huge 90s bands among acts to join Ireland's top young social media stars at fun-filled family festival next month
SOME of Ireland's top young social media stars have been confirmed to appear at the upcoming Kaleidoscope festival. The family festival, presented by Glenveagh, takes place between Friday July 4 to Sunday July 6 at Advertisement 3 Ocean Colour Scene are one of the main acts performing Credit: Getty Images - Getty 3 Architect Dermot Bannon is hosting workshops Credit: RTE Press Office Issue Two of The seven-year-old recently starred in This family music festival's headline and main stage acts include two of the biggest British rock bands of the 90s, Ocean Colour Scene on Friday and Texas on Saturday. Closing out the weekend on Sunday evening, one of Ireland's most beloved and successful bands, The Coronas, Advertisement Read more in Music Shell Holden, head of marketing at Kaleidoscope, said: 'Our festival is more than just music — it's a full-throttle throwback experience for families of all ages. 'Expect a weekend packed with disco anthems, timeless classics, supersized trad seisiuns, and nostalgic hits spanning the decades, brought to life by outstanding tribute acts celebrating icons like 'This year, the magic isn't just happening on stage—it's in the crowd. We're calling on our festival family to fully embrace the theme, channel their favorite music legends, and bring their sequins, signature styles, and rockstar attitude.' In celebration of the festival's fifth birthday, the organisers are also offering a free weekend or day child ticket to any family with a child turning five before August 31st. Advertisement Most read in The Irish Sun Live Blog Other standout performers include Fans of Aspiring architects will also get the chance to design a treehouse, with the top design winning a €2,000 treehouse voucher. 3 Kaleidoscope Festival is held at Russborough House in Wicklow Credit: Ste Murray ( Advertisement
RTÉ News
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
DJ Sean M: Meet Ireland's youngest ever festival DJ
DJ Sean M (Seán Meenaghan) is only 11 years old, but he's already spinning the decks at major Irish music festivals. In May, he made his festival debut at Greenfields, and this summer he'll be playing bangers at Beyond the Pale (Saturday and Sunday) and at the Kaleidoscope Festival (Friday evening set). A 5th class student at Colmcille's Senior School in Knocklyon, Seán's journey began before he could even spell turntable - climbing up to reach his dad's decks when he was still a toddler! Florence from RTÉ's news2day went to Seán's school and partied hard! Press play up top to see the report. Seán says: "When I was very young about 3 years old my father would bring in a step so that I was able to reach his decks. Since then I have practiced nearly every day I can remember. I got my very own set of Pioneer decks last Christmas and I'm very proud of them. "My family have gone to Ibiza every summer since I was born. I just love the dance scene over there, my favourite part is going to Cafe Mambo where I have seen Fatboy Slim, Claptone and many more. "It was just the most amazing experience at my school, I got to share my talent with all my school friends - most of them have never seen me play my decks before. It was great to see them all have so much fun and enjoy the music in the sunshine." Now armed with his own Pioneer setup and backed by the powerhouse platform NOISE Music, DJ Sean M has a growing list of gigs under his belt and a serious passion for the decks. DJ Sean M's Top 5 Dance Tunes Solarstone - Seven Cities The Prophet- CJ Bolland Wide Open Space - Mansun (Perfecto Mix) Silence - Delerium Heaven Sent - Bedrock His sound is rooted in House, Progressive House, and Trance, inspired by annual trips to the electronic music mecca of Ibiza. With energy, talent, and a deep love for dance music, DJ Sean M is proving that age is just a number when it comes to lighting up the dancefloor. Follow Seán on the festival circuit on Instagram (Managed by his mam Susan!) and make sure to head over to see him wherever he is playing.
Irish Independent
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Kaleidoscope tickets to be won in National Drawing Day competition
Coordinated by the National Gallery of Ireland in partnership with more than 60 museums, galleries, arts centres and libraries across 23 counties, the annual event invites everyone to start getting creative. A nationwide programme of free events will take place on Saturday, May 17. This coincides with the start of biodiversity week, so Russborough House will be inviting budding artists to take inspiration from Russborough's natural surroundings. Paper will be provided in the reception for those who require it, and all finished drawings must be completed by the 5pm deadline on May 17, and should be presented on an A4 or A3 sheet. All the entries will then be entered into a draw, with the winning prize coming in the form of a weekend family camping pass for Kaleidoscope Festival, taking place at Russborough from July 4 to July 6. The National Gallery of Ireland will also host a packed programme of free events to suit every kind of drawer. Head of education at the National Gallery of Ireland Sinéad Rice said: 'Drawing day is for everyone. This year we celebrate National Drawing Day with a full programme of events at the gallery and at dozens of partner venues across the island of Ireland and online. You can check out your nearest venue, or draw from home, and make your mark this year.' For those who can't attend in person, a dedicated online hub at features a full list of participating venues and a wealth of drawing activities and creative resources.
