Galway Arts Festival finalises line-up

There are plenty of theatre and performance type shindigs planned with the premiere of a new play Penelope by Irish playwright Enda Walsh, in a Druid production, the Bristol Old Vic making its Irish debut in Galway with the classic drama Uncle Vanya by Anton Chekov as well as the annual Macnas Festival Parade, talks from artists, directors and many others.

However, we at Hot Press have our eye on what has now taken shape into a very tasty music lineup.

The Galway Arts Festival Live at the Festival Big Top features an amazing lineup with Human League, Heaven 17, Josh Ritter, Cathy Davey, Damian Dempsey and Rodrigo y Gabriella.

The ever fantastic Roisin Dubh hosts its own well varied and knock out lineup including local Galwegian and Choice Music Prize winner Adrian Crowley, Chicago's Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, heroes of the rebel county Fred, Breakestra, Waterford's O Emperor, Angus and Julia Stone. There will also be a series of traditional lunchtime gigs.

There will also be an admirable comedy lineup featuring Apres Match, Reggie Watts, Reginald D Hunter, Scotland's Danny Bhoy, Whose Line is it Anyway, and the Laughter Loft.

If that not enough, there will be plenty of visual arts, street performances and we're sure many impromptu or unofficial parties to make it a memorable time in the Western capital.

The Festival now in its 33rd year runs from July 10 to July 25. For more ticket info see galwayartsfestival.com.