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 2017, Ireland's annual festival of creativity as we age. Now in its 22nd 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. This year’s theme, All together now, will stage major events in Mayo.
In My Grandfather’s Time is a talk and exhibition in the National Museum of Ireland - Country Life. Join Anthony Leonard for a talk on May 8 at 2.30pm about the work of his grandfather and local photographer Jack Leonard who documented all aspects of rural life. This includes photographs of the major political struggles at the time; the Land War, War of Independence, and the Civil War. Booking is required. The exhibition will be on display from May 8 until July 23. For more information visit bealtaine.ie/events_list/1/163
Tunes in the Afternoon will see two leading lights of the harp perform an afternoon of exquisite music from Mayo and beyond. This special Bealtaine event features internationally recognised Mayo musician Gráinne Hambly alongside Scottish harper, multi-instrumentalist, and composer William Jackson, hot on the heels of their month-long tour of the United States. This event will take place at 2.30pm on May 9 in Linenhall Arts Centre, presented in partnership with Mayo County Council Arts Office. Free entry. For more information visit bealtaine.ie/events_list/1/379
Creaking is a stage reading from Noelle Browne productions, which examines the everyday challenges and pressures on the mental health of older people in Irish society through the eyes of 79-year-old indomitable Rita. The performance will take place on May 22 in Linenhall Arts Centre at 8pm. To book your tickets call (094 ) 9023733 or visit bealtaine.ie/events_list/1/380
Archiving Activism is a project by Breda Burns in partnership with Sligo and Mayo Arts Offices; this commission gets right to the heart of this year’s collectivism theme. Breda’s sound and radio-based work will create an archive of the vanguards of the arts community. Programmes will be broadcast locally and an exhibition will run in Sligo and Mayo in conjunction with the event. The exhibition in Mayo is launched in Arais Inis Gluaire at 6pm on May 24 and runs until June 25. Call (01 ) 853 5180 for more information or log on to bealtaine.ie/events_list/1/387
The Mayo International Choral Festival invites all choir members and members of the public to sing on the shores of Lough Lannagh, Castlebar, at 8am on May 28 for their Dawn Chorus. Access through the main Lough Lannagh car park (not Lough Lannagh Holiday Village ). For the inexperienced and experienced singer. For more information visit bealtaine.ie/events_list/1/273
Mayo Arts office in partnership with Ballina Arts Centre present, Old Flames on Wednesday, May 10 at 7pm with Brian Leyden and Seamie O’Dowd, a show which combines music and story. Old Flames sees award-winning writer Brian Leyden take a warm-hearted look at romance and the music we courted and danced to over the decades. He is accompanied by the immensely talented multi-instrumentalist Seamie O’Dowd, weaving fiddle, guitar, harmonica, and song around the spoken word. This event is free but booking is required by calling (096 ) 76593 or logging on to www.ballinartscentre.com
