Waterford celebrates Bloomsday with new festival in the city
The event in will take place on June 16
A new Bloomsday festival celebrating the life of author James Joyce will take place on Tuesday, June 16, offering Joyce fans a fun-filled day of creative and cultural events in Waterford’s historic Cultural Quarter.
Bloomsday celebrates Thursday, June 16, 1904 - the day immortalised in James Joyce’s 1922 novel, 'Ulysses'. The day is named after Leopold Bloom, one of the novel’s protagonists.
Highlights of the festival will include a performance of Molly Bloom's Soliloquy from 'Ulysses', by renowned actress Claire Mullen, who has Tramore connections, and a talk with Pat Murphy, West Waterford, director of the film 'Nora'.
There will also be a special performance by the Ballycullane Mummers from Wexford, in the Gallery of Art, O Connell Street.
Garter Lane Arts Centre will host the screening of ‘Nora’ and ‘Letter to Miss Weaver’.
'Nora' was directed by Pat Murphy and 'Letter To Miss Weaver' was written and directed by Ger Duffy, from Tramore, and John Foley from Ballinacourty.
Tickets for this screening can be booked at Garter Lane Art Centre and cost €6.50.
The evening will end with a traditional Irish music session featuring 'The Croppy Boy', at Tully’s Bar, hosted by The Deise Boys. Local musicians and singers are welcome, a spokesperson said.
"We are very excited and privileged to host this festival in Ireland's oldest city, a city of music, culture and creativity," says Mary Howlett, one of the founders of the festival.
"We would like to thank all our sponsors, Waterford City and County Council, and especially Margaret Organ, Arts Officer, Waterford City and County Council," she added.
Bloomsday In Waterford Festival is being organised by The Bloomsday Voluntary Committee.
Further information on the day's events, including booking info, can be found on Eventbrite, Instagram and Facebook.
