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Kilkenny Arts Festival
One of the longest established Arts Festivals in Ireland, this one has something for everyone and the whole city is involved, with exhibitions and performances even in shops and hotel lobbies. There is an emphasis on classical music and the visual arts, but also theatre, literature, children's events and streetperformances, featuring International, Irish and local artists, invenues all over Kilkenny City and County.
The 2008 Kilkenny Arts Festival has a real star as its headline performer, John Williams, the American composer, conductor and pianist who composed film scores for, among others, Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, Star Wars and Jaws.
Also there will be John Anderson, the Pulitzer Prize winning author. A sure to be popular event is the arrival in town of Circus Incognitus, the touring children's theatre led by Jamie Atkins.
There is an impressive new music line up at the 2008 festival, including Mercury Rev at The Hub, Cillin Hill; Spiritualized at St Canice’s Cathedral and Lisa Hannigan at The Parade Tower, Kilkenny Castle.
A feature of Kilkenny is the widespread involvement of the whole community - the city is literally taken over by the Festival, with exhibitions and other events taking place in just about every available space, indoors and out, including shop windows, pubs and office buildings. It really is impossible not to be caught up in events.
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What else to do in Kilkenny?
For a look at some other activities and attractions that we recommend within reach of this event, including tour itineraries and articles of interest, see our South-East Area Guide.
