Tenth annual Bealtaine Festival underway

The tenth Offaly Bealtaine Festival programme was launched last Thursday to a full and lively house in the Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre. The festival for those over the age of 55 this year year has a “1963” theme, with events, exhibitions, concerts and projects taking place around the county for the month of May.

Addressing those gathered at the festival’s launch Offaly County Council cathaoirleach Peter Ormond said Bealtaine is one way Offaly County Council can make a difference.

“We have a duty of care in our society to treasure and value our older citizens,” he said. “Your contributions to life in Offaly are still significant and relevant. This is your time, and this festival, through the arts, aims to rejuvenate creativity in retirement.”

Cllr Ormond continued to say that the Bealtaine Festival “is one way that Offaly County Council can make a difference. Quality of life is so important to all of us, and the arts can make a difference in how we enjoy participation in our communities, whether that is trying a new craft for the first time or the sharing of stories and music.”

Exhibitions as part of Offaly’s Bealtaine programme range from film screenings to workshop, concerts and exhibitions. Upcoming highlights include movie matinees in Tullamore and Birr libraries, the Royal Academy Ensemble at Charleville Castle and a Cortina Showband Night in Dooley’s Hotel in Birr.

A special “1963” exhibition will be launched on May 20 at Aras an Chontae. A full programme of events is available at www.offaly.ie/arts, by emailing arts@offalycoco.ie or calling 057 9357400.