Westival (Westport Music and Arts Festival) launches 2024 programme

WESTIVAL (Westport Music and Arts Festival) has announced its diverse programme of events, continuing their commitment to being the cultural cornerstone for the region by platforming the diverse and burgeoning creativity that the west of Ireland represents.

Pillow Queens take the headline spot with the first date in their highly anticipated Irish tour, with highlights across the weekend from John Spillane, Sunday’s Child Theatre, Maxine Peake, Alan Friel, Achill Sound, Custom House Gallery, Easkey Britton, Clew Bay Folk Club, Westport Jazz, and a diverse programme of theatre, visual art, film, literature, workshops and fun for all the family.

Westival, taking place from October 23 to 28, is celebrating its 49th year - the west of Ireland's longest running music and arts festival. Selected events will be ticketed, and are available online to book at https://westival.ie/.

Speaking on the launch, festival director Sarah Byrne said: “Coming into my third year with the festival, I am immensely proud as we present this year’s programme. As we look towards Westival’s 50 year celebration in 2025, we will begin the next chapter of the festival with a clear and bold direction that celebrates the vibrant, unexpected, and intimate culture of the region.

“This programme also coincides with the announcement of our new three-year plan 2025 - 2027 for Westival - celebrating and supporting art out west, which we will be sharing publicly in the coming weeks.

“It has been a labour of love for the entire community and artists, showcasing the northwest as a creative melting pot, and exploring the contemporary cultural identity unique to this part of the world. So start booking your tickets and join us for our 49th festival in Westport this October!”

Also speaking on the launch of this year’s festival, chair of the Westival board, Eugene Dowd, said: “We're back and better than ever with the 49th year of Westival - Westport Music & Arts Festival. We cannot wait to present our diverse festival programme to the regional community.

“It has been a privilege and a joy working with the local community to make this festival come to life, and we hope that you will enjoy it as much as we enjoyed creating it.”

The full festival programme is available at https://westival.ie/.