Bríd Festival Sligo starts on January 24
THE Bríd Festival Sligo 2024 will take place between Wednesday 24th January – Sunday 4th February 2024, to celebrate St Brigid’s Day and the official start of spring.
Local artist Catherine Fanning on behalf of Sligo County Council Arts Service initiated the idea of an inclusive, creative arts festival which embodies the energy, spirit and ingenuity of St. Brigid. Galleries, new up-and-coming artist studios and creative hubs across Sligo are getting involved, so there will be lots of Spring energy and creative activities to enjoy, from poetry readings to willow weaving, contemporary exhibitions, beach and forest foraging, gardening and printing workshops, all inspired by St. Brigid’s diverse legacy as patron saint of creativity, healer, environmentalist and protector of the land.
“A forward thinker ahead of her time, St Brigid’s drive, spirituality, creativity and links to the land are the influences behind this year’s festival,” explains Catherine.
Four compelling new poems by local writers have been commissioned for the festival, each inspired by St. Brigid’s manifestations and legendary tales. These will be delivered to care homes, day centres and agricultural outlets across Sligo, connecting communities and encouraging thoughts through verse.
Brigid-inspired animations also form part of the festival's programming. Links to view these animations will be shared with primary and secondary schools and education centres as well as being widely available across social media.
The first of February marks the beginning of Spring, a time of new beginnings and thoughts of brighter days ahead. The Bríd festival brings an opportunity to unite communities and encourage the sharing of new ideas and collaborations, as well as re-evaluating old traditions and making them relevant to today’s world.
“We hope everyone will embrace traditions such as eating the festive meal for St Brigid’s Day Colcannon and apple cake, which are made from wholesome ingredients taken from the land, brought to the table for sharing,” Catherine added.