The Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen's was launched yesterday. This year's event promises music, dance, theatre, literature, comedy, visual arts and film in the 16-day extravaganza which begins on October 17. With 60 events bringing together 500 performers and artists from across the globe, it is a packed programme in 2008.
Among the standout events are a pair of concerts by Oscar-winning composer and conductor Ennio Morricone, the man who wrote the music for The Good, The Bad and the Ugly and Once Upon A Time In America.
The closing concert will see Broadway soprano
Barbara Cook – a legend of musical theatre – making her Belfast debut.
Comedy from Dylan Moran, a reworking of Sophocles’ Antigone by Belfast playwright Owen McCafferty and a concert by 1970s star Gilbert O’Sullivan are some of the other highlights.
Festival director Graeme Farrow praised new sponsors Ulster Bank at yesterday’s launch event.
“We’re raising our game this year and beyond, thanks to welcome increased investment,” he said.
“We aim to provide the best total arts experience in Ireland.
“When you read through the programme, ask yourself where else you might find such an incredible array of local, national and international talent – Edinburgh maybe, but where else?
“This festival is an annual arts and entertainment Olympics.
“There is so much to enjoy and I would urge audiences to try on something new for size alongside the household names.”
A carnival reworking of the Shakespearean comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream takes place in Ormeau Park while choreographers Michael Clark and Wayne McGregor will also be bringing shows to the festival.
Cabaret venue the Spiegeltent makes a return this year in Custom House Square, and will once again be the venue for jazz, blues, comedy and more
There will be talks from Cherie Blair, Will Self, Sheila Hancock and Mary Robinson.
Rosemary Kelly, chairman of the Arts Council, said: “The Arts Council of Northern Ireland, as the main public funder of the festival and its longest running partner, is pleased to support the new programme for 2008.
“The festival is a highlight of Belfast’s cultural calendar, attracting visitors from across Northern Ireland to the city, and an excellent example of the major contribution that the arts make to our social, creative and economic life.”
n For more information, or to book tickets, contact the box office on 028 9097 1197 or log on to www.belfastfestival.com
The full article contains 410 words and appears in News Letter newspaper.
