Ballina Fringe returns with diverse arts line-up

HIGH NOTE Pianist Finghin Collins

Ballina Fringe Festival, which runs from October 4 to 20, returns an impressive range of diverse arts events around Ballina.
Musical highlights of this year’s festival, sure to draw even greater audiences to north Mayo this October, include concerts by Sligo’s eclectic folk collective No Crows and multi-award winning Camille O’Sullivan, renowned for both her extraordinary voice and her captivating stage theatrics, as well as classical pianist Finghin Collins.
Representing the visual arts, Ennis-born Mick O’Dea, current President of the Royal Hibernian Academy and part-time Mayo resident, brings a showcase exhibition of his recent works to the festival, while the Mayo-based 7:1 artist collective will exhibit their works.
The festival will also host a number of theatrical performances, including Pat Kinevane’s ‘Before,’ contemporary dance with the Flora Fauna Project and film, with a screening of ‘Float Like a Butterfly’ – all new productions to the region.
The festival is also bringing a permanent legacy piece, ‘Pure Ballina!’, to the town — contemporary urban street art that will add colour to the town’s streets.
Ballina Fringe Festival has been developed in partnership with Ballina Arts Centre and Mayo North, in association with lead sponsor Ice House Hotel and funded by LEADER, Creative Ireland, NYCI and Mayo.ie.  The festival is currently seeking sponsorship locally from businesses and individuals interested in supporting the festival are invited to make contact by email to info@ballinafringefestival.ie.

For more information and a full festival line-up, see www.ballinafringefestival.ie.