Let us arise from our two year Covid-induced coma, and get set, go, for a summer that looks like returning to something like normal.
We have to accept Covid has changed much in our life - not least our work place practices, our incomes, how we shop, how we travel, and how we celebrate. And while easing back into life after lockdowns also comes with some difficulties, the prospect of a summer in Galway is one to be welcomed and embraced with the line-up of our internationally acclaimed festivals and events returning to our city - the Galway International Arts Festival, Galway Races, Galway Film Fleadh, and oyster festivals.
These are some of the events which have made Galway the culturally acclaimed city it is, the festival capital of Ireland, what attracts our visitors, injecting vibrancy, culture and fun and comradeship into our lives, and now more than ever it will be welcomed after a two year period like no other in our recent history.
Always something to do and somewhere to go in our city and county, there will be a greater sense of freedom and frivolity after what has been a difficult time for us all. Uncertainties about safety may still remain for some and that is understandable, but Galwegians have become accustomed to Galway delivering in the summer, and few do it better than the Galway International Arts Festival.
Like all of us, it was forced to adapt during the past two years, delivering its biggest digital programme, a first festival theatre livestream, and of course moving its dates from the traditional July two week slot.
Artistic director Paul Fahy believes Covid heightened the need for culture.
"I think it was very apparent during the lockdowns was how much we all turned to culture both individually and collectively as a nation. We sought comfort, reflection and hope in the words of our great poets and writers. We watched plays and box sets, we listened to music and reread our favourite books.
"I hope we all remember and appreciate how our culture helped us through such difficult times and what it was like not to have the live experience. Now as we emerge from a turbulent two years we are thrilled to have Galway International Arts Festival back in July at full throttle. We need to gather together in person for that collective experience, artist and audience. The Festival brings people together in so many ways and impacts so many areas of our lives, financially, socially, culturally. It is great to be back in a room creating art and we look forward to being part of the national recovery.
So let us bask in the prospect of a summer of festivals and fun once agin, still keeping in mind uncertainties and safety, because that is the new normal. And it’s not such a bad thing.
Linley MacKenzie
