7 Things to do this week...
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WEXFORD SPORTS AND CLASSIC CAR CLUB’S SPRING CHALLENGE. This year’s event marks the centenary of the arrival of Ford cars to Ireland and there will be a special two day event in New Ross. On April 22 there will be a free car show on the Quay in New Ross while on Sunday, April 23, there will be challenge charity drive. The car show will feature cars such as Fords, Austins, Mercedes, Hondas and Porsches to name but a few. On Sunday the 100 mile Spring Challenge will set off from the Quay at 11am heading into Bunclody skirting the Blackstairs mountains going towards Tullow. There will be a lunch stop in Rathwood Garden Centre. From there the drivers will head into west Wicklow back into Bunclody and up Mount Leinster before heading back to New Ross.
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SRI LANKAN CELEBRATIONS: Events to mark the Sinhalese New Year, a national festival in Sri Lanka, will be held in Gorey on Tuesday, April 18. The day, organised by the Sri Lankan South East Irish Association, begins with a colourful Sri Lankan Cultural Show, supported by Wexford County Council, at 9.30 a.m. at Gorey Civic Square. From there, it’s on to the Naomh Éanna GAA complex where locals will be joined from midday by Sri Lankan visitors who will dress in traditional costume. Activities will include the tasting of traditional milk rice and sweets and traditional Sri Lankan games. At 7 p.m., the festivities continue with Sri Lankan music in the Ashdown Park Hotel.
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ÁR MBREACHA VARIETY CONCERT: Enjoy the best of traditional entertainment with stories, poems, recitations, music, song, and dance, as the friends and regular performers from ÁrmBreacha House of Stories at Raheen, Ballyduff, Camolin, leave the fireside for just one evening and head to the Ashdown Park Hotel for their annual fundraising variety concert. The show starts at 8 p.m. this Thursday, April 20, and runs to 10 p.m. Tickets are €10 for adults, and children are free. This is the main annual fundraiser for the house of stories to help cover insurance and running costs, so all support would be greatly appreciated. A raffle will also offer great prizes. Tickets are available on the door, or from Phil at 087 7440904.
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MONKEY: Bare Cheek Theatre Company present a new play by Marnie McCleaneFay in the Wexford Arts Centre on April 22 at 8 p.m. ‘Monkey’ brings you into the mind of four young people growing up in Wexford. We are immersed in the life of each character which explores mental health, sexuality, friendship and it’s an honest look at what it’s like to grow up in a small Irish town. For more information contact the Arts Centre on 053 91 23764.
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LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS: Enniscorthy Musical Society present ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ which will take place at Coláiste Bríde on April 18-22. It is a horror comedy rock musical by composer Alan Menken and writer Howard Ashman. The story follows a hapless florist shop worker who raises a plant that feeds on human blood and flesh. The music is in the style of early 1960s rock and roll, doo-wop and early motown including several well-known tunes like ‘Skid Row’ and ‘Somewhere That’s Green’. Tickets will cost €12 for opening night on Tuesday and then €15 for Wednesday to Saturday. For more information visit ww.edms.ie or call 0858342140.
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Ben Portsmouth, a multi-talented musician, singer and songwriter had Elvis’ DNA in his blood from an early age, and will be in hipswinging action at the National Opera House on Wednesday, April 19. His father was an avid Elvis fan and Ben grew up on a diet of Elvis songs. Having honed his musical talent Ben started his journey as an Elvis Tribute Artist in 2005 when he formed the Taking Care Of Elvis band. He looked like Elvis, sang like Elvis and had an on stage charisma that had audiences believing at times they were watching the King himself. Tickets are €28 or €25 with a concession. Call 053 9122144 to book.
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Based on the classic novel by John Fowles, The Collector tells the story of how one man makes his fantasy a reality. Frederick Clegg, a socially awkward young man that collects butterflies, becomes infatuated with the beautiful, unapproachable art student Miranda Grey. No longer content to watch from afar, Frederick does the unthinkable and resorts to ‘collecting’ her. Their extraordinary relationship leads to electrifying results. Don’t miss it. The performances take place at the National Opera House at 8 p.m. on April 21 and 22. Tickets are €15. Bookings on 053 9122144.