Letter from the Bealtaine Festival Artistic Director, Dr. Tara Byrne
“Welcome back to our first in-person Bealtaine since 2019!
Bealtaine has always been a celebration of life, but in 2022 our events take on a particular meaning as we meet each other once more in person and across the country with a renewed sense of our in(ter)dependence, the Bealtaine Festival theme until 2023 (see the beautiful essay from Theo Dorgan on Bealtaine.ie).
2022 also marks our most diverse festival ever, with more communities taking part across different generations, identities, and cultures. The festival is also addressing a wide range of themes, from the contribution of the LGBTQIA+ community to social and club culture in Ireland, the Irish language, women and representation and communities of dissent. We’re also tackling issues such as models of care, intersectional identities, intergenerational relationships, climate crisis, cultural politics, and a more balanced programme in terms of gender representation. Finally, we offer you a blended festival of both in person and online activity, so you can decide how you wish to engage with us.
Enjoy the festival!”
See the full Bealtaine Festival 2022 programme HERE