City to light up for New Year

A THREE-day citywide festival celebrating the best of contemporary Irish talent in the arts, music, culture and live entertainment will mark the biggest New Year celebration in the country.

Now in its second year, NYF Dublin has expanded to include many new elements and events for all ages.

Spanning the New Year period from December 30 to January 1, NYF will celebrate the diversity and complexity of Ireland’s contemporary culture with a showcase of talent in music, design, art and the spoken word over the last 100 years.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Críona Ní Dhálaigh, said the partnership approach between Dublin City Council and Fáilte Ireland in recent years had ensured the growth of the festival to its position as one of the capital’s annual headline events that appeals both to locals and visitors.

“I am looking forward in particular to the free public events and would encourage the general public to turn out in numbers to enjoy the festivities in the unique atmosphere of the city centre,” the Lord Mayor said. “I would like to extend the warmest ‘Cead Mile Fáilte’ to all visitors who join us to celebrate the New Year.”

Speaking at the launch, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe, added: “We have had an exceptional year in terms of tourism and we intend to end the year with style. Fáilte Ireland and Dublin City Council have developed this festival together to grow the city’ reputation as a destination for New Year celebrations.

“The range of entertainment and events on offer during NYF will entertain visitors and Dubliners alike.

“I am confident that everyone who takes part in the New Year celebrations will have a great time and be impressed by the manner in which Dublin marks the year’s end.”

Participants in this year’s festival will be able to join in the magical candlelit Procession of Light and take part in the ‘World Record Attempt for the Biggest Bodhrán Session’, among other activities.

Festival-goers can also watch as city streetscapes come alive with Luminosity 3D animations and be spellbound by the outstanding Spoken Word Festival and Story@work.

Revellers can ring in the New Year at either the Three Countdown Concert or the NYF Street Fest and, the day after, look to the future with positivity at Resolution Day.

Last year’s Three Countdown Concert was a sell-out and this year’s concert features a stellar line up including The Coronas, Fat Boy Slim, Ryan Sheridan, Kíla and Little Hours in the 3Arena.

Last year, 10,000 spectators witnessed the stunning Procession of Light through the city. Building on last year’s success, NYF Dublin is inviting the public to experience the city as some of Dublin’s most well-loved streets erupt in a stunning street procession with dazzling light installations, music, performers and a touch of New Year magic.

Attendees will be able to watch along the route or participate in the procession and light the way with special NYF lanterns.

A limited number of NYF Lanterns will b e available on December 31 with all donations going to Focus Ireland.