Inaugural Ennis Fringe Festival

The inaugural Ennis Fringe Festival of the Arts will be launched next week and will see a host of artists, musicians and photographers showcase their wares at a variety of venues across the county town.
Organised by a small committee of artists, the event aims to help provide artists with a space to exhibit their work while at the same time encouraging the visiting public to support local businesses such as the participating venues include cafes, restaurants and pubs.
The festival will kick off on Thursday, July 14 in the Beehive Cafe on O’Connell Street, where there will be a contemporary photographic exhibition featuring photographers Tommy Kelly, Patrick Ryan and David Cremins.
A painting exhibition will go on display in Cafe Roma, featuring David O’Rourke, Kevin Quinlan, Sinéad Slattery, James Halley, Hilary Gilmore and Philip Brennan.
On Friday, July 15, the official opening of the festival will take place at No 8 Carmody Street at the Custom Tattoo and Art Gallery from 7pm, where Conan Brophy will showcase Wombience, described as a recording of the tranquil ambience of the womb as heard by the baby in utero.
At Brogan’s on Saturday there will be a buskers festival from 4pm to 6pm.
This will be followed by a performance piece by artist Alex Conway of 40 Coats 50 Pockets, at the first floor, Courthouse View, Lifford, between 6-9pm where there will also be a festival launch event.
Bands the Buzz Monkeys and Trampoline Scene will showcase their original music at Brandon’s stage on Saturday night from 9pm, where there will also be a video installation.
The weekend’s activities will conclude on Sunday, July 17 at 4pm with a short theatrical piece in Brandon’s by Immediate Theatre, featuring Kelly Guilfoyle.
All events and venues are free of charge.