7 Things to do this week...
NIGHT RUN: Wexford Night Run takes place this Thursday, February 8 at 7.30 p.m. The participants will be led to the starting line on the quay by a piper which will only add to the already electric atmosphere. With around 1,000 people running or walking the five kilometre race through the streets of Wexford under the moonlight, those taking part will be treated to music, fun and laughter all the way. The route heads out Kerlogue before turning back in to town, down through the Faythe, on to South Main Street, with a finishing line on Anne St at the Wexford Credit Union. Registration will be open from 1 p.m. on Thursday in the marquee on Wexford Quay Front. More details at nightrunwexford@gmail.com
AL GRANT - WELCOME TO MY WORLD: THE LIFE & MUSIC OF JIM REEVES: The brilliant Scottish singer Al Grant returns to The Riverside Park Hotel next Monday with his latest show based entirely on the legendary Gentleman Jim Reeves. The show will feature a unique insight into the life and music of this legendary figure of the country music scene, featuring all the great man’s hits along with narration and video screen footage from Reeves’ life. A perfect evening of story and song, it’s not to be missed by any Jim Reeves fan. Al Grant is renowned for his classic interpretation of Reeves’ songs, singing with an unerring similarity to the voice of the great man. Al is backed by a band that includes some of the country’s finest musicians and special guest on the night will be his wife, singer/songwriter and legend of the scene in her own right, Isla Grant.
Tickets for the show are said to be selling fast, so it is recommended that you pick yours up now to avoid disappointment. They are priced at €30 and are available from reception at The Riverside Park Hotel on 0539237800 or from ticketmaster.ie.
EDDI READER: Scottish Songstress Eddi Reader will play the National Opera House this Saturday night as part of her tenth consecutive nationwide tour of Ireland. Joined by her regular band members John Douglas, Boo Hewerdine, Alan Kelly, and Kevin McGuire, she will also be supported by Ultan Conlon. With her captivating and powerful performance, the Glasgow native has effortlessly developed into one of popular music’s most thrilling and affecting performers. She is often referred to as one of Scotland’s National Treasures. Having first hit the limelight in the 1980s with the group Fairground Attraction, Eddi went on to collaborate on many celebrated projects throughout the years, famously harmonising with Annie Lennox while touring with the Eurythmics and paying her punk dues with a successful stint in the group Gang of Four. With nine critically acclaimed solo albums, three BRIT awards, a Number 1 single - the iconic ‘Perfect’ and an MBE in tow, 2016 welcomed the release of her first career spanning compilation entitled ‘The Best Of’. She has also begun work on her tenth studio album with some songs featuring as part of her new tour.
ENNISCORTHY 10K: Runners from all over Wexford are heading for Enniscorthy this Sunday as Slaney Olympic AC host the annual Enniscorthy 10k. The race is always a favourite among participants and will get under way from Shamrocks GAA Club at 12 noon with registration from 9 a.m. Some great prizes are up for grabs including €250 for the first man and woman across the line and everything is fully chip-timed, giving you the ideal opportunity to hit that personal best. Entry costs €15 if you register beforehand at www.runireland.com or alternatively the cost of entry is €20 on the day.
Tim Edey: The BBC Musician of the Year multi-instrumentalist and singer will perform at Wexford Arts Centre on Thursday, February 8 at 8 pm. Rated as one of the world’s finest melodeon and guitar players on the folk and contemporary scene, he has toured the world and recorded with big names including The Chieftains, Christy Moore and Sharon Shannon, for whom he wrote the popular piece ‘Little Bird’. His solo shows display a range of influences from world music to Celtic themes. Born in Kent, of Irish descent, he lived in Ireland for a time and is now based in Scotland. He honed his style learning from his guitarist father Richard and listening to Ed Boyd, Steve Cooney and Django Reinhardt.
Animal Scupture. Join Wexford-based Sculptor Imogen Stafford as she takes time out from creating her mythological Creatures on display at the Botanic Gardens in Dublin to share her craft at an Animal Sculpture Workshop at the National Heritage Park on March 10 and subsequent dates. Imogen specialises in creating sculptures from mixed media inspired by mythology and Irish wildlife. The cost is €80 and bookings can be made on 053 9120733.
STRICTLY CLUB DANCING FINAL: Naomh Eanna GAA Club and Gorey Rangers will go head-to-head in the Strictly Club Dancing Final, which will take place on Friday, February 8, at 8 p.m., in the Amber Springs Hotel, Gorey. Tickets are €10 and are limited. Contact Gorey Rangers Club Chairman Gary O’Brien on 087 3263681 or 087 9770497 for Naomh Eanna. Practise is well under way as the six couples from each club prepare for the highly anticipated final, which is sure to be a sell-out. Proceeds will be split between the two organisations. Naomh Eanna will use the money for the much needed club stand that is nearing completion. Gorey Rangers will put the money towards an All-Weather Astro Turf pitch, something that is needed as the club members are travelling far and wide to train in other areas.