IRL Festival 2021 goes virtual
Posted Feb 27, 2021 05:00:00 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The COVID pandemic is not stopping the sixth annual Irish Real Life (IRL) Festival from taking a different approach in celebrating Irish culture.
In an interview with KitchenerToday, Festival Director Sue Nally said that the theme for this year is Trasna an dTonnta, or “Across the Waves,” a sentiment that connects Irish culture, not only across the sea but across the cyber waves.
“Last year our festival was up and running and it got shut down on March 13, when the pandemic had really come to light,” said Nally. “Throughout the year we started to do some virtual programming to keep connected with our audiences and community and we found those were being really well received, so we have been doing music lessons and other fun things online, and as we were coming close to the festival everyone had their fingers crossed and we kept waiting and watching the numbers and watching the restrictions, the public health recommendations, and it became very evident that we wouldn't be able to do it in person.”
This virtual festival will feature a variety of 20 activities ranging from film, cuisine, theatre, music performances, and family events, available from the comfort of your own home.
In working with local businesses to support them during this time, some of the activities will cost between $10 to $25 to participate, while others are free.
Starting March 6 and ending on the 17, some events to keep an eye out for include a showing of the film “Lost Children of the Carricks,” an intro to Gaelic class, a self-guided meditation class, Irish children bedtime stories, and “Shenanigans,” featuring Irish comedians.
“We feel that people still need something fun to do, and they still need to feel that connection with other people.”
To register for the upcoming events, visit the IRL Facebook page.
