Last year, over a quarter of a million people attended the Galway International Arts Festival, a record-breaking success that spurred the organisers on to ensure that this year’s programme will be just as impressive. Featuring an exciting Irish and international programme of theatre, opera, dance, circus, music, street spectacle, visual art and First Thought Talks, the festival will take place from July 15 - 28.

Over 600 artists from around the globe will descend on Galway this July to be part of this renowned celebration of the arts. There will be numerous collaborations and co-productions throughout the fortnight, including premieres from Irish National Opera, Druid and Rough Magic as well as a work-in-progress musical by Landmark Productions and GIAF.

Continuing to commission visual art pieces, this year will also see the introduction of a Festival Gallery, which will act as a centrepiece for the visual arts programme. Australian artist Sam Jinks will present a major exhibition on our fascination of the human figure. Alice Maher and Aideen Barry will showcase a sound and image fantasia and there will also be two commissioned pieces from Olivier Grossetete and Sarah Hickson.

The ever-popular First Thought Talks will focus on the theme of borders, be that national borders, gender, political, wealth or health borders. Talks on Trump’s Wall, Brexit and transgender identity are among the events taking place.

As always, the musical offerings are exceptional. Headliners for the Heineken Big Top include Burt Bacharach, Orbital, Macy Gray, The Academic, Bell X1, The Coronas and more.

Speaking on this year’s programme, GIAF CEO John Crumlish said, “We hope there is something for everyone in this programme. Whether you are interested in operas, orchestral work, new plays, music icons, contemporary art, a good discussion or street spectacle we are really looking forward to welcoming you to Galway this July for hopefully a very memorable two weeks.”

Tickets for Galway International Arts Festival are on sale now, with more information on the programme on their official website.