Festival puts the Phizz in Phibsboro

FIGURES from this year’s Phizzfest have revealed that the festival brought over 5,000 people to Phibsboro earlier this month.

Twelve months of hard work and planning were rewarded with large attendances at arts and cultural events spread over nine action-packed days.

The festival, held from September 1-9, uniquely unites the entire local community with the aim of showcasing and celebrating all that Phibsboro has to offer.

Now in its third year, a total of 70 events were held over the nine days, the highlight of which was a public walk along the Royal Canal that was broadcast on RTE’s John Murray show.

Over 2,000 people took part in the walk during which entertainment was provided and interviews broadcast along the way with local artists, historians, authors and football stars.

According to Tina Robinson, who came up with idea of Phizzfest, the festival exceeded everyone’s expectations this year.

“It would be hard to top this year alright,

? she told Northside People.

“We’re now trying to sit back to take stock of everything and to send out

‘thank you’ letters to all those who made this year so successful.

“Then we’ll have to look at our plans for next year.

?

Tina explained how she came up with the idea of a Phizzfest festival.

“I felt we desperately needed something that would make Phibsboro a destination by focusing on all the positive and strong connections the people of the area has with the theatre, arts and sporting worlds,

? she said.

“I think the sheer quality, variety and artistic merit of the events organised throughout the festival really sets it apart from anything else.

?

The festival organisers consist of a core group of 12 all-year round volunteers.

Throughout this year’s festival more than 120 people were involved in the organising, managing and stewarding of events.

Marian Fitzpatrick, local resident and member of the core group of organisers, said the festival is all-inclusive as it brings together local businesses, members of the public and tourists.

“It’s fantastic to have so many people involved and we are very grateful to the Mater Hospital and Bohemians FC for instance who allowed us to use their facilities for events,

? she said.

“The football club had an advert for the festival on the homepage of their website for a whole month.

“The fire-fighters from Phibsboro Fire Station also gave their time to put on three tours of the fire station which 90 school children took part in.

“We also organised two tours of the Dublin Bus control room which is based in Phibsboro.

?

Other events from the list on this year’s calendar of events included an

‘in conversation’ and questions and answers session with John Giles, a boat rally and canoe polo tournament on the Royal Canal, a vintage tea dance and a reading with actress Pauline McLynn.

The vast array of events ensured there was something to suit all tastes, as was evident in the huge turnout and success of this year’s festival.