St Michael’s theatre is moving outdoors!
DRIVE-IN MOVIES, GIGS AND MORE FOR PEDESTRIAN AREAS IN TOWN
SECTIONS of New Ross are being pedestrianised this summer and autumn at off-peak times to facilitate outdoor shows and bingo, while drive-in movies and outdoor performances will be happening across the town, with social distancing rules in place.
‘People can’t come into the theatre, so the theatre is coming out to the people!’ – so St Michael’s Theatre manager Tomás Kavanagh announces today (Tuesday), as the venue embarks on a new outdoor summer and autumn events series which will see the town centre pedestrianised on Saturday evenings and for part of Sunday afternoons.
Mr Kavanagh said: ‘First up will be “Wednesday’s in the Library Park”. The theatre is planning a series of recitals of classical and jazz music, one act plays and poetry readings. The Library Park is a lovely natural venue that is ideal for social distancing, has great acoustics and is perfect for relaxing summer evenings enjoying the sun going down over New Ross.’
Saturday evenings in South Street will see the theatre move a stage out onto the street and lots of light entertainment on Saturday evenings from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The family friendly and staycation friendly initiative aims to attract people from near and far into the town at a time when restaurants and cafes will be back serving again.
‘South Street Saturdays will bring that holiday feeling into the heart of New Ross,’ Mr Kavanagh said.
Bingo lovers will be entertained with Sunday afternoons in South Street.
‘It’s eyes down for outdoor bingo! All over Wexford, bingo lovers are waiting for a return to their favourite game and New Ross will have open air bingo each Sunday afternoon in South Street.’
The theatre cinema is closed for now so Mr Kavanagh and his team are rolling out drive-in movies over the summer.
‘2020 is Back to the Future with classic family friendly drive in movies coming to a car park near you!’
‘While this is an unprecedented time, the concept is similar to other European countries, so for the next few month’s let’s pedestrianise the town centre in the evenings and weekends and really show off what a fantastic town we have: our town centre, the heart of New Ross.’
He said: ‘We have had great feedback from Wexford County Council to our proposals and our programme of events will be rolled out over the coming weeks. Obviously our plans are subject to complying with Covid-19 restrictions.’