An incredible week of free events including a colourful opening parade, music, dance, song, children’s activities, street theatre, arts and photography exhibitions, comedy acts, an open mic evening, nightly outdoor concerts, and a spectacular fireworks display have been confirmed for EuroFestival.
The festival, which takes place in Athlone from Saturday July 24 to Friday July 30 will see the town host 15 European countries for a week of sports, music, cookery demonstrations, street theatre, photography, and art events.
Free outdoor concerts have been organised for every night of the festival. Artists performing include Delorentos, Mike Denver, Sean Slattery and The Conections, Blue Moose, The Fabulous Bonker Boys, Ragus, and Keith McDonald and The Showband Show.
Popular Athlone artists will also perform, including Donna and Joe McCaul, the Golden Sisters, Ré- Seisiún, Bernard and Patrice Coyle, Athlone Choral Society, About Time Quartet, Sweet Auburn Ladies Barbershop Group, local musician Picolo and several traditional Irish music and dance sessions will take place at various locations through the week. RTÉ presenter Rob Ross will MC an open mic night on Saturday July 24.
Daily lunchtime, afternoon, and early evening entertainment includes performances by European Cultural Groups, The Chicks Comedy Act, Laurel and Hardy Duo, dance routines by local Irish dancing schools including Attitude Dance School, and several martial arts displays by Matsubayashi Shorin-Ryu and Roscommon Karate Club. Bozo the Clown and his children’s magic show will also be a real treat for kids. Athlone’s Tonnta Street Theatre will provide an extensive array of colourful and fun street entertainment for the week including street puppets and characters, fire breathers, face painting, and stiltwalkers.
There are also numerous art and photography exhibitions running for the duration of the festival.
The Grande finale night will showcase a fantastic line-up of entertainment including a performance of traditional Irish music, song, and dance by the Irish Cultural Group and an energetic mix of music for all tastes from the highly acclaimed Keith McDonald and the Showband Show. The festival will conclude with a grande finale spectacular fireworks display from Golden Island, Athlone on Friday July 30.
Euro Festival, Athlone is hosted by Athlone Town Council. For more information log on to www.eurofestival.ie
