Phizzfest returns: Putting Phibsborough on the map
The annual Phizzfest returns to Phibsborough from May 9th to 11th, with over 75 events for people of all ages.
First established in 2009 as a community driven response to the recession, it aimed to rejuvenate the area and bring back the community to Phibsborough. Now, 16 years on, it takes 9 months worth of planning by the team, fully consisting of volunteers.
I spoke to Phizzfest director, Marian Fitzpatrick about how much work goes in to organising the festival.
“It takes a huge, dedicated team of people, all of whom are volunteers, to do it. I think we have a good mix of skills, and everybody is just so generous, donating their time and expertise. But we’re always looking for more people to get involved,” said Fitzpatrick.
“I think it was a lot more difficult in the beginning, when nobody knew who we were, but now we’ve built up relationships and a huge amount of goodwill with all of the local businesses in the area, many of whom sponsor us. Each year they’re just waiting for the call.”
What’s in store this weekend? Camille O’ Sullivan kicks off Friday in All Saints Church in a performance celebrating the likes of David Bowie, Sinéad O’Connor, and her close friend Shane MacGowan.
Award winning comedian David O’Doherty can be found at McGowans in a show that’s sure to double anyone over with laughter, while some of Ireland’s best emerging artists can be found at the ‘Phibsborough Bopping Centre’ in The Back Page.
Join the Phibsborough Historical Pub Crawl to see who will be crowned ‘Phizzfest’s Best Pub 2025’, discovering the local stories that make up each bar and discovering a few hidden gems along the way.
Bohemians fans will enjoy a talk given by club historian, Gerard Farrell on the history of Dalymount, alongside the 90-minute tour of the stadium taking place on Saturday. Then join the panel discussion on the clubs growth in the Free State taking place in the member’s bar.
Thrifters will appreciate the Zeitgest Flea Market taking place in Kelly’s Yard on both Saturday and Sunday, featuring all things vintage, retro, and antique.
There are multiple events throughout the weekend catering to families but head over to the Shandon Gardens on Sunday for the Community and Family Day, where all the events will be free, featuring great musical acts, magic shows, and a raft of Kayaking and other water-based events.
Phizzfest also aims to celebrate the works and life of writer Edna O’Brien, who sadly passed away last year at the age of 93. ‘Girl with Green Eyes’ (1964), the adaptation of her novel The Lonely Girl screens at the Pillar Centre on Saturday, directly followed by ‘Blue Road- The Edna O’Brien Story’, the critically acclaimed documentary with diary extracts read by Jessie Buckley, along with a Q&A with the writer and director, Sinéad O’Shea.
All tickets can be found online and are selling out fast. Extra volunteers are always appreciated. Any photographers looking to help out at the weekend can email at phizzfest@gmail.com.
Socialise
