Age and Opportunity has announced an exciting line-up of Mayo-based events which will take place during the month of May as part of Bealtaine 2016, Ireland's annual festival of creativity as we age. Now in its 21st year, Bealtaine continues to be embraced by the Mayo community with many arts and cultural events organised by local libraries, arts centres, care settings, galleries, active retirement groups, and community groups across the county.
Last year, more than 125,000 people across Ireland participated in Bealtaine, making it one of the most important cultural events in the national arts calendar. This year, the festival commemorates 100 years since the birth of modern Ireland by exploring the theme of Ireland’s iconic first citizens. With more than 600 events taking place across the country including a mix of musical, visual arts, literature, and theatre, there is definitely something for everyone in Bealtaine 2016.
Bealtaine will be celebrated throughout Mayo with a wide range of events and activities designed to entertain and stimulate. The Ballina Arts Centre has programmed a free art workshop on life drawing on Tuesday May 31 with Val McLoughlin. The centre will also hold two film screenings, A Walk in the Woods on Thursday May 12 and Older Than Ireland on Thursday May 19. Older Than Ireland is a landmark documentary telling the story of 100 years of Ireland seen through the eyes of Irish centenarians.
Meanwhile at the Kilmovee Community Centre the Cois Tine Bealtaine Festival has programmed a range of events involving young and old including a craft morning with the Kilmovee knitting crochet group, an art competition with the local schoolchildren and musical recital with local teenagers. The festival was launched on Monday this week with traditional music, song, dance and storytelling. The theme of that night was related to the 1916 Rising and homemade traditional food was served including boxty bread, scones, and other goodies all made by local women.
The Mayo County Council Arts Office has programmed a full range of workshops and performances around the county. Full details are now available on www.mayococo.ie Suifinn Way Daycare Centre in Ballycastle is concentrating on the culture and history of Ballycastle with a guided tour of the North Mayo Sculpture Trail, felt making with Marie Murphy, and a research project into Dr John Crowley, member of the first Dail. He was based in Ballycastle as local GP and was very active from 1916 to 1920. For more information on these events and others taking place in County Mayo, visit bealtaine.com/bealtaine-2016/programme/listing/Mayo
Speaking about the festival, Karen Smyth, CEO of Age and Opportunity, said: "Yet again we are thrilled by the passion and commitment that the Mayo community brings to Bealtaine this year. With more events taking place across the country than ever before, we are delighted that the festival continues to grow from strength to strength both in Mayo and nationwide. It is with the support of our local partners that Bealtaine 2016 can successfully deliver its mission which is to support our older artists and to provide more opportunities for people of all ages to come together to celebrate the arts and become creative.” For more information go to www.bealtaine.com
