merrion street

The Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan, today (20th February) officially launched the Five Lamps Arts Festival at Belvedere House, Dublin 1. This annual event will take place around various venues in North Inner City Dublin from 7th to 11th March. This year's festival's line-up includes up to fifty arts events with up to one hundred participating artists.

The Five Lamps Arts Festival is now in its eleventh year and is set in an area of great cultural and historical significance which provided inspiration to playwrights Sean O’Casey and Brendan Behan, singers Luke Kelly and more recently Stephen Gately, and sculptor John Henry Foley. Playwrights, screenwriters and film directors, Jim and Peter Sheridan came from this area as did the poet and playwright Paula Meehan.

Minister Madigan said:

“To witness an event such as this, which has grown and developed into what it is today is not only a true sign of the imagination and vision of its founders, but also a testament to its loyal and growing audience. The Five Lamps Arts Festival broadens and extends horizons, it entertains and enthrals and will continue to engage with the local community, building strong participation with the arts in all its forms and genres".

The continued support of Marino College for the past eleven years as well as Dublin City Council have been crucial to this accomplishment. Waterways Ireland will be again supporting a number of events in the Festival which includes the Royal Canal ‘Big Day Out’ on Saturday 10th March which seeks to highlight the importance and beauty of nature in the area.

Minister Madigan continued:

“The more recent support from the North East Inner City Initiative shows the Government’s determination to help with the long-term social, economic and cultural regeneration of the area.”

“I also wish to pay tribute to the dedicated individuals who make it happen. As is the case with so many of the terrific festivals up and down the country, the Five Lamps Arts Festival is run by a dedicated voluntary committee which include Chairman Jack Gilligan, Artistic Director Roisin Lonergan, Festival Board members and numerous volunteers. I wish them all every success with the festival this year.”