Westival - west's oldest music and arts festival returns

WESTIVAL - the oldest music and arts festival in the west of Ireland, taking place for almost 50 years in Westport, has launched its 2022 programme of events, showcasing Ireland’s increasingly diverse art scene.

This multidisciplinary experience will present music, theatre, film, spoken word, visual arts and more and takes place from October 26 to 31.

This year’s theme, Direction - Forward - a term coined by friend of the festival, FELISPEAKS, is symbolic of a re-energised community and the return to live events, post-Covid. The theme also touches on an exciting new era for festival programmers, in an increasingly diverse music and arts scene in Ireland.

Organisers are inviting visitors to experience this legacy arts festival which has, for decades, been driven by an inclusive and passionate community of creatives and volunteers.

Chair of the Westival board, Eugene Dowd, spoke about this year’s festival, saying: “Westival has a legacy of almost 50 years. During this time, community organisers have steadily built a unique offering here in the town of Westport; a celebration of creativity and art in a very special part of the world.

“We are so proud to be bringing together our team of both established and new faces, a collaboration that will drive our Direction - Forward for years to come… We hope people will come and try something new - 'always welcome'!”

Said festival manager Sarah Byrne: “I’m delighted to have joined Westival as festival manager this year. As a recent blow-in to the town, and performer myself, it’s a joy to bring a diverse programme of incredible musicians and artists to Westport, and build on the amazing work done by the Westival team and community.”

This year promises to be one of the most exciting to date, with musical highlights from Camille O’Sullivan, Elaine Mai and friends, Houseplants, Michael Gallen, Patrick Dexter, Bourgeois + Maurice, Brian Lennon, and I Have A Tribe, among others.

Other community-based happenings include a performance by the community choir, writers events, art and music workshops and readings, all representative of the brilliant sense of community and friendship that exists in Westport - this truly will be a festival for all.

Events will happen in venues around the town of Westport. All events will be ticketed and are available now to book online at Westival.ie.