Liberties Festival events to feature fun for all ages

OPERA, a Lego workshop, an outdoor cinema, comedy, printing and a family fun day all feature in this year’s Liberties Festival, which was launched at an event on Thomas Street, Dublin 8 last week.

The unique culture, character and heritage of Dublin’s oldest quarter will be celebrated in this year’s festival, which opens on Wednesday, July 18.

The five-day programme of events has something for all ages and also includes old favourites such as the Blue Rinse Ball, the ‘Street Traders Vs Garda Football Match’ and the 10th annual Liberties Fun Run.

From modest beginnings in 1970, The Liberties Festival has grown to become a highlight of the summer in Dublin 8, with a series of family-friendly, sporting and community events, and an exciting cultural and arts programme encompassing visual art, film, dance, comedy, literature and music.

The Liberties Festival is supported by Dublin City Council, Diageo, Creedon Group, Donore Avenue Credit Union and the Digital Hub. 

Established in 1970, the festival is organised by South Inner City Community Development Association (SICCDA) and is now in its 48th year.

Established in 1982 by local residents to create a better community for those living in the Liberties area of Dublin, SICCDA has a crucial role to play in south inner-city community development. Formed as a community development association, SICCDA’s purpose is to create and maintain a community where people, particularly those who historically have been most excluded, feel val-ued, welcomed and useful.

Denis Murphy, Festival Lead for the SICCDA board said: “Dublin 8 is renowned for its community, character and spirit. We are delighted to unveil such a diverse programme of events for this year’s festival that epitomises these attributes. This is a community festival, with the community at its heart and we invite everyone from the Dublin 8 area and beyond to check out this year’s events.”

He added: “This historic area of Dublin will come alive in celebration over the five days, with events taking place in the streets, parks, cafes, pubs, churches and public buildings of the area. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase all this colourful and dynamic district has to offer, while at the same time recognising its rich past.” 

More than 20 events will be held in venues across the Liberties between Wednesday, July 18 and Sunday, 22.

 These include the festival launch in the Digital Hub at 6.30pm on Wednesday, July 18 that will be headlined by Delorentos.

There is also the Outdoor Cinema screening of the classic Dublin film ‘Sing Street’ in St Patrick’s Park at 9.30pm on Thursday 19.

Opera in the Open – a mixed programme of operatic favourites at St Audeon’s Church – will take place from 7pm to 8.30pm on Friday, July 20.

Stories for Breakfast at Tasty8 on Meath Street from 9am on Saturday, July 21 will see attendees asked to use their stories as currency. 

The Liberties Trail offers a day of workshops happening across the area on Saturday, July 21 and will include yoga, music production and community gardening. These are discoverable via the Liberties Trail map which is available online.