Cairde is Sligo’s annual arts festival celebrating diversity. The festival takes place for one week each year in July and Sligo comes alive with an excellent range of music, theatre, dance, children’s and family events, visual art and more.

Last night was the opening of the festival. The Shelly River Boat Race was the first event. People had made wonderful model boats and they sailed (or sunk in some cases) down the Garavogue River. There was a great crowd even though  the weather wasn’t the best…..a great buzz about the place. It’s the first time I’ve ever been to the boat race and I thought it was fantastic. Entertainment was provided by the Samboeire Samba Band and Branching Out youth group. After the prize giving there was a concert by local bands….best of all the whole event was free. So a big well done to all involved. Check out my other pics.