Galway 2020 is looking for opening ceremony participants.
In fact, they’re looking for 2,020 of them.
A well-known fact by now, Galway is one of two European Capitals of Culture for 2020 – sharing the title with Rijeka in Croatia.
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The largest and most complex cultural event ever undertaken on our little isle, it will comprise almost 2,000 events across 154 projects.
Having launched the official programme at a special event in Brussels at the start of October, preparations for next year’s festivities are well underway.
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Planning for the opening ceremony, organisers have issued an open call for participants looking to get involved, extending the invitation to people from communities across Galway city, county and beyond.
Casting for roles such as percussionists and chanters, abilities of all levels are welcome. All you really need is a little bit of rhythm and a whole lot of passion.
The seven-day long ceremony will kick off with a symbolic turf cutting ceremony on St Brigid’s day with celebrations continuing in towns across the county all week.
Starting off in the peripheries, there will be events in Clifden, Spiddal, Tuam, Ballinasloe, Portumna and Athenry. Things will move gradually closer to the city centre for the finale on Saturday, February 8th.
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Coinciding with Imbolc, an ancient Irish festival marking the end of winter and the start of a new year, the opening event will draw on local themes and traditions for inspiration as it tells the story of Galway to the world.
Wonder Works are the faces behind the production – a team responsible for Olympic opening ceremonies in Athens, London and Pyeong Chang. So you know it’s going to be good.
Piers Sheppard, Director of Wonder Works said: “This will be an event that is truly unique to Galway, bringing everyone together to mark the beginning of the European Capital of Culture in an opening week like no other. WE are looking for anyone over the age of 18 who loves having fun while learning something new and wants to celebrate the creative energy of their community, country and city.”
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He later added, “If you hum along to your favourite song and can bang a pot and pan together you’re ready for this show”.
Anyone interested in taking part can do so at the
Galway 2020 website.
