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JANUARY 2007
Inishowen Carnival Sets Sail for Dublin and London
The annual frenzy of activity that is the Inishowen Carnival's preparations
for St. Patrick's Day in Dublin begins again at 7.30pm on the Friday
26th January with a launch event at the carnival office in Carndonagh
which will include a presentation of this year's parade design and
an opportunity to sign up for a variety of workshops and activities
taking place over the next month.
2006 was probably the groups most successful year to date. After winning
the Premier Award for the 2006 St. Patrick's Festival parade the group
went on to produce the finale parade for the Celtic European Festival
in Derry, Create props and costumes for a performance at the launch
of the Special Olympics Ireland in the Odyssey Arena in Belfast and
produce flags for the launch of the Ryder Cup Opening Ceremony. 2007
promises to produce many more memorable moments.
The concept for this year's production was originally developed as
a result of a special request by Donegal County Council for the group
to create a carnival piece for the 400 year commemoration of the Flight
of the Earls throughout 2007. Entitled 'Voyages' the production is
inspired by the history of Ireland as an island nation including the
mythical voyages of its the Navigator and Colmcille, the Flight of
the Earls themselves and the huge influence that emigration has played
on our history.
While drawing on some very serious sources for inspiration, in true
Inishowen style the final production will be an exciting blend of
fine costumes, mobile animated sculptures and chaotic comedic performance
from the 80+ local volunteers who will travel to Dublin for the premier
performance. Unicorn puppets galloping in the waves, nuns on drums,
and a phoenix surrounded by spectacular fire flags are just some of
the variety of characters and props which will contribute to the final
piece.
A large team of artists and local people will be working hard throughout
the next month to turn designs and drawings into reality. Workshops
will commencing on Saturday 27th January at 11am with a large group
silk painting workshop at the carnival offices on the Moville Road.
As always the group are keen to hear from any new faces who might
be interested in getting involved in drumming, dance, costume and
flag making workshops.
In an exciting new development the carnival group are one of only
two Irish carnival groups who have been asked to travel to London
straight after the St. Patrick's parade in Dublin to perform in the
Lord Mayors parade and St. Patrick's celebrations in London on the
18th March. Due to financial constraints only 30 of the original 80
performers will be able to make the journey from Dublin to London
but the group are hoping that they will be able to contact a number
of Inishowen exiles living in London to join them on the 18th and
help ensure that they make a huge impact on the London event.
Once the St. Patrick's celebrations are complete a series of events
are being planned across the province of Ulster in the build up to
a spectacular carnival parade planned for Rathmullan in September
2007 as part of the final events in the Flight of the Earls commemorations.
All in all these events are a huge commitment for the group which
is run solely by volunteers and they are always keen to hear from,
anybody who can bring fresh enthusiasm whether taking part in preparations
or helping out with organising and performing at the events. Current
membership includes people of all ages from as far away as Glengad,
Moville, Buncrana and Raphoe and anyone interested in joining the
group should contact the office at 9373375 or come along at 7.30pm
to the Carnival Offices, Moville Road, Carndonagh on Friday the 26th
January.
The night will include a brief overview of our achievements in 2006,
a presentation of this year's designs and details of the scheduled
programme for 2007. Refreshments will be provided and a party is planned
after the formalities are completed
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