7 Things to do this week...
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JESTFEST 2019: Some of the finest names in Irish comedy will be coming to Wexford town for the May bank holiday weekend as JestFest 2019 gets into full swing. The majority of shows centre on Mackens in The Bullring and the Crown Live, along with a special Comedy and Dinner gig at The Vine Restaurant which will feature fine dining and the hilarious duo of Joe Rooney and Patrick McDonnell. Among the other hilarious events are Madcap Comedy Bingo, the Comedy Crunch and shows from Joanne McNally, Owen Colgan, Neil Delamere, Danny O’Brien, Fred Cooke, Enya Martin, Tony Cantwell and Neil Delamere and Aidan Greene. The shows get underway on Thursday night and run until Sunday with something on offer that’ll be sure to tickle everyone. The festival has already gained a wonderful reputation on the comedy circuit, from both fans and comedians alike and if you haven’t been, you should go along and see why. Tickets for all of the comedy shows have been selling well and if you want to get yours, you can visit www.jestfest.ie.
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BEALTAINE FESTIVAL AT LOFTUS HALL: An out-of-this world festival is promised on the grounds of haunted Loftus Hall this bank holiday weekend. The festivities begin at 2 p.m. on Sunday with the official opening and The Blessing and The Cleansing of The Cows, followed by a blacksmith demonstration at 3 p.m. and storytelling by Baya Salmon-Hawk at 3.30 p.m. Celtic music and dance follows and a giant wicker god will be created. A May Pole and May Bush workshop follows. On Monday people can expect more fun activities, along with a May Queen Pageant and the Crowning of the May Queen at 5 p.m. People are encouraged to dress up for the events.
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BANNOW 1169 FESTIVAL: Experience life as a Norman at the Bannow 1169 Norman Festival this May Bank Holiday Weekend. In May 1169 the Normans first arrived in Ireland onto the shores of Bannow beach in County Wexford and this weekend the village of Carrig on Bannow will hark back to life in Norman times for the Bannow 1169 Festival. The festival will host battle re-enactments, and commemmorative ceremonies.
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THE KING IS BACK - BEN PORTSMOUTH LIVE: Elvis has returned! Well, it may not be THE Elvis Presley, but for fans of The King it’s the next best thing as Ben Portsmouth returns with a wonderful show that contains all of the classics. Everyone loves a bit of Elvis and Ben will take you through all eras with his gripping live show. He not only looks like, but he really sounds like the real thing! Tickets are priced at €27.50 from www.nationaloperahouse.ie.
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MICK COMERFORD AND FRIENDS: The Presentation Centre in Enniscorthy is set for a great night of music as one of the county’s most popular musicians Mick Comerford gathers together a posse of fantastic musicians for one night only. Mick is officially launching his new album ‘Reuben James’ and on the night will have a whole host of special guest performers including Stephen Murphy, Ann Dreelan, Mag Murphy and his daughter Eve Comerford. An American style country album, it features some real gems and Mick cannot wait to perform them live in front of an audience at The Presentation Centre. Tickets are priced at €15 and doors will open at 7.30 p.m.
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LIGHTHOUSE FESTIVAL: A Shine A Light Festival takes place on the grounds of Hook Lighthouse this weekend offering children the chance to go back in time and learn ancient combat skills. Activities get under way from noon on Saturday with Montague Heritage who will showcase the life and times of Medieval Ireland featuring the Norman Knight William Marshal who was responsible for the building of the Hook Lighthouse. Archery, food tasting, safety demonstrations from the Coast Guard and pirate fun lie in store at this family friendly festival which runs until Monday.
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FURNITURE: Furniture is a new light hearted play about perceptions and possessions, from the highly acclaimed Druid Theatre group. The story is told through the lives and relationships of six individuals and how they interact with the furniture around them. Part one sees a husband and wife after a year of marriage, part two sees a new couple moving in together, while part three sees Michael help his uncle George complete his will and testament. The play runs at Gorey Little Theatre, on Tuesday, April 30 and Wednesday May 1. Tickets are €25 and can be purchased from Gorey Little Theatre.