Clonmel Junction Festival unveils its exciting line-up of music, dance, drama and arts events

A new show celebrating the music of the showband era, a jaw dropping aerial dance display, drama and a nightly music trail are among the great entertainment lined up for this year’s Clonmel Junction Arts Festival, which runs from July 1 -9.

The arts festival will stage the premiere of Hucklebuck, an immersive homage to showbands directed by Jack Reardon in the gym of Clonmel’s Central Technical Institute.

And it will co-produce the comedy drama Found by Clonmel writer and actor Aideen Wylde, with Broken Crow Ensemble/Everyman Theatre..

The play will be staged at Mulcahy’s in Clonmel where the festival was formally launched last Wednesday, May 24.

The festival will also host a range of new work in the Festival Dome including Fishamble’s drama King and Aine Ryan's play Kitty In The Lane.

The Piano Sessions in the STAC Chapel (Kickham Barracks' former church) will celebrate all forms of piano music from electronic to jazz and classic. The sessions will include a new Roger Doyle commission, Divine Madness for dance, soprano and piano by John Scott/Irish Modern Dance Theatre.

Performances by Aileen Cahill with Andreea Banciu, Vale, Edel Meade and composer-performer Eamon O’Malley will also be staged at this atmospheric venue.

The festival will also feature talks, workshops, aerial dance from Fidget Feet, an exhibition trail, and a nightly music trail.

Clonmel Junction Arts Festival is dedicated to bringing out the fun, inspiration, and creativity in Clonmel. It has taken place every July since 2001 and grown to be a significant arts and culture event.

Its Artistic Director Cliona Maher said the 2023 festival’s theme is Art Enriches Life.

“When we create art, we elevate our mood, we improve our ability to problem solve, and open our minds to new ideas. When we watch a play with others, our heartbeats synchronise.

“Listening to music together has many social benefits, including creating and strengthening our bonds.

“We have TUS Digital Animation students creating short films on the subject, our writers and artists will take the theme as an inspiration – and the general public will have their say at the Arts Centre.” 

The Festival Hub at Kickham Barracks Plaza will be the heart of the festival.

“At the start of the summer holidays, it’s the junction of art and culture, of artists and audiences. Dance, film, music, street theatre, literature events - all this and more in 10 days to immerse yourself in arts experiences,” said Cliona.

Tickets for Junction Festival events are now on sale via the Festival’s website junctionfestival.com