Hectic time ahead in Birr as Vintage Week and Arts Festival kicks off

Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival will kick off today (Friday) with over 90 events taking place including dancing workshops and food events in over 40 locations up to Saturday, August 12.

This year, Birr Vintage Week celebrates its 55th birthday, and an action-packed schedule will mark the special anniversary with host of events featuring visual arts, theatre, music, street theatre, workshops, exhibitions, together with a number of community events.

Traditional favourites such as Vintage Sunday Parade, Fireworks Night & Gig Rig, Birr Air Display, the Crinkill Soapbox Race and a busy Visual Arts programme are a key part of the event this year.

The Courthouse Yard will once again be a creative hub for the duration of the festival after opening its gates last year with visual arts workshops, music and Vintage Luminaries.

Chair & Visual Arts Coordinator of Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival Caroline Conway said: "One of the highlights will be the old cinema on Brendan Street (directly across from Birr Technology Centre) which is being transformed into a magical immersive experience and will also have a display of old cinema posters

“There are two fantastic night-time events in Birr Castle and the parade is everyone’s highlight.

New to the festival this year will be the Children's Archaeology workshops hosted by the Irish Heritage School along with some belly dancing workshops and food events. John's Hall will also reopen its doors for two lovely events hosted by Birr School of Music.