Your guide to the Liberties Festival 2019

The Liberties Festival first started in 1970, making it one of Ireland’s oldest festivals. This summer the event marks its 49^th year.

The festivities will take part in a period of five days, from July 17th to 21st, and consist of different activities, including visual arts, film, dance, music, comedy and literature.

The festival is organised by the South Inner City Community Development Association (SICCDA) in conjunction with Cuckoo Events, as well as representatives from the community, with organisations such as the Digital Hub, Diageo and Dublin City Council sponsoring the event.

Carmel Hynes, SICCDA director and member of the Liberties Festival Committee, said they pride themselves on creating an inclusive festival for the community to enjoy.

“We work hard to deliver a diverse and engaging line up that reflects the interests of the local community. There’s something that appeals to everyone. We partner with our neighbours; including local artists, school venues, businesses, community members, and also work with local community development projects,” Hynes said.

“We focused last year on bringing the Festival back to the community and hope to do so again this year,” she added.

Hynes also spoke about some of the headline events that have become “staples” for the Festival, many of which are intended to be part of the programme again this year.

“We have Opera in the Open with an operatic programme held at St. Audoen’s Church, the Blue Rinse Ball which is one of the main events for the older people of the Liberties with lots of food, singing and dancing, the Liberties Laughs to include a line-up of different guest comedians, and a free Family Fun Day in St. Patrick’s Park,” Ms Hynes said.  

Another concept that was introduced at last year’s Festival was the Liberties Trail. This provided attendants with a map and a list of various workshops happening all over the Liberties.

The list included outdoor yoga, a LEGO building workshop for kids, an introduction to music production at The Digital Hub, a walking tour of the area, and sean-nós singing.

In total, there will be over 25 sporting, arts and community-based events.

The sporting events will include a football match between the Gardaí from Kevin Street and local traders and a bowles competition.
The list of the events for this year’s Festival has not yet been finalised. However, the website www.libertiesfestival2019.com will become active closer to the time, with further details available.