BANDON’S bank holiday weekend St Brigid’s Festival promises a feast of music, art, theatre and film as they mark Imbolc and the return of Spring.

Creative Bandon is the brains behind this unique festival, now in its fifth year, which runs from Friday January 30th to Thursday February 5th and celebrates Ireland’s only female patron saint.

It was therefore only fitting that Brigid’s significance was recognised when St Brigid’s Day on February 1st was declared a bank holiday in 2023 to remember her great spirt and importance in Irish folklore.

Once again, the festival boasts an impressive and eclectic line-up with many of the events free of charge to the public and is set to attract people not just from West Cork but countrywide due to its detailed programme of events.

From acclaimed folk, singer Susan O’Neill at Bandon Town Hall to St Brigid’s Cross-making workshops, there is something for everyone across this thought-provoking programme of events.

Speaking to The Southern Star, Marguerite McQuaid of Creative Bandon said there is so much choice with artists in the area.

‘It’s what to leave out that is the difficulty. We are delighted to be bringing such a strong arts programme to the town again,’ she said.

‘This festival is made possible thanks to the support of the National Lottery funding, Cork County Council and Creative Communities and many of our events are free and all venues are fully accessible.’

Celebrated writer Kerri Ní Dochartaigh will present a writing workshop, while storytelling duo Woken Bird (Niall Cuddy and Paddy Doyle) will present music and verse at O’Donovan at the Shambles Bar on Saturday January 31st.

Kerri NI Dochartaigh, writer, Co.Clare. photo: Paul McCarthy

One of the musical highlights will be an appearance by indie-folk singer Susan O’Neill with support from contemporary folk artist and singer/songwriter Lewis Barfoot which is being organised in collaboration with Bandon Folk Club.

‘RTÉ’s folklorist Shane Lehane will be giving an illustrated talk about beekeeping and honey in ancient Ireland. His talk will include details of the many saints associated with bees, including Gobnait whose feast is celebrated on February 11th. He will also be available to sign his new book ‘Old Ways for New Days.’

Marguerite added that from a wellness perspective they have events varying from herbal tonics to creative writing as well as a night of short films with taster plates and a Q&A on the theme of ‘Reclamation’ which is being curated by Karla Goodman of Made to Measure Films.

She will screen her films including ‘Brigid, A Goddess, A Saint and a role Model’ which she was commissioned to make to celebrate the creation of Brigid’s Day as a national holiday. The other films being screened are ‘Farming is Medicine’ and ‘Boobs’. There will also be events to welcome in the spirit of St Brigid.’

A night of dramatic theatre with ‘Feathers for Rosa’ by artists Noél O’Callaghan and Doug Henderson, who will explore the work of eco-feminist and anti-militarist Rosa Luxemburg.

‘More than a play, it features artworks, poetry, live music and film. Our closing ceremony ‘Bells, Wells & Wombs’ will be a performance with singer/ songwriter Victoria Keating, composer Mary Wilkins and sculptor Mick Wilkins (with Brigid’s Bell). This event will finish with lighting St Brigid’s flame with fire performer Mila Geluk.’

The festival will also feature an exhibition and talk by Bandon-born visual artist Shane O’Driscoll at Bandon Library on Friday February 6th at 11am. Working primarily in print, Shane embraces experimentation and chance, creating dynamic compositions that invite close looking and open interpretation. His exhibition ‘Evidence of Ongoings’ will run at Bandon Library from February 5th to 28th. Shane was also the selected Artist in  Residence for Team Ireland at the Paris Olympics in 2024 and he is a director of the Ardú Street Art Project, which is a contemporary mural initiative which brings large scale  murals to Cork city.

For a full programme of events for the festival visit www.creativebandon.ie  and their social media channels including Instagram and Facebook or email [email protected] for any queries.