The Dublin Arts Festival promises a wide selection of events and happenings, many with a medieval twist.
Following a formal launch of the Dublin Arts Festival in the Mansion House, Morris dancers made their way down Grafton Street, followed by the Strand Players with their morality play based on the crucifixion.
The Dublin Arts Festival originated in University College Dublin. It relies on volunteers and sponsors but organisers have managed to create a wide-ranging programme on a budget of £4,000.
One of the organisers, Clíona Buckley says the Dublin Arts Festival offers
Everything, something for everybody.
It covers all aspects of the arts, with many musical concerts. Along with traditional Irish music, there is classical music by Concorde and the Capriol Consort and there will be musical lunchtime concerts in the Unitarian Church on St Stephen's Green. Ewan McColl and Peggy Seeger are the festival's international folk guests. Events will close with a gala jazz concert in Liberty Hall with saxophonist and jazz club owner Ronnie Scott and guitarist Louis Stewart.
The festival has a medieval theme because
We thought it was a very appropriate time to feature attention on Wood Quay and the medieval aspect in general.
At the National Museum of Ireland (NMI) there is an exhibition on social life in medieval Dublin which includes objects uncovered at the controversial Wood Quay site.
Dublin Corporation has been given permission by the Commissioners of Public Works to proceed with their new Civic Offices at Wood Quay after a 15 week excavation period under the observation of the NMI.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 22 April 1978. The reporter is Seán Carberry.
