Friday 15 August

Kidzart Workshops at Tin Jug Studio
'Something Fishy!' Costumes, etc. for Sunday’s Parade!
2 DAY WORKSHOP FOR 9-12 YEAR OLDS • Thursday 10.30am-12.30pm & Friday 11am-1pm • €45 per child for 2 days, including refreshments and materials • max 10 children.
1 DAY WORKSHOP FOR 6-8 YEAR OLDS • Wednesday 13th August 11 am-12.30pm
€15 per child (including refreshments and materials) • max 8 children.
Tin Jug Studio • 057 9121818 (Children will be accompanied in the Parade.)

Tin Jug Studio Exhibition
Group Show 'Reflections': Paintings, sketches, photography, wood carvings. Official opening on Thursday 14th August with launch of Derek’s CD 'A Voice of Birr'. For full details of opening hours see visual arts section.
Tin Jug Studio • 057 9121818 • 2 – 5pm

Golfing at The Glens
Reduced rates throughout the week.
Birr Golf Club • 057 9121606

Walking Tour of Birr
Starting at Emmet Square Ÿ 3pm

Kids Treasure Hunt
Venue: Gather at Scout Hall (Marian Hall) • Time: 3-5pm • Free
Children must be accompanied by an adult.

About 100 Experiments
OFFICIAL OPENING
Curated by Eilís Lavelle
Birr Union Workhouse contains the largest concentration of contemporary art at this year’s Festival. Most of work has been specifically developed for the week long Visual Arts programme. Join the artists and curator, along with invigilators who will walk through this voluminous historic building. Refreshments served. All welcome. More on: www.birrvintageweek.com/arts
Birr Union Workhouse • 6.30pm - 8.30pm
This exhibition is supervised throughout the week by members and friends of SK8 Birr (Birr Skate Board Park Committee)

Vintage Tennis Tournament
Entry taken on the night of tournament. Prize for best dressed lady and gent in vintage costume.
Wilmer Tennis Club Ÿ 7.30pm

Fun Evening
presented by Birr Camogie Club
Mixed competitions for boys and girls to celebrate Birr Camogie Club’s 30th Anniversary. Call Caroline for details on 087 2989019.
The Brothers Field (behind County Arms Hotel) • 7.30pm

Cathy Davey
presented by Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival
2008 Meteor Ireland Music Award winner for best Irish female, Cathy Davey headlines Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival. Cathy’s second album, Tales of Silversleeve, released last October is described by Jim Carroll of The Irish Times as ‘…possibly the most spectacularly beautiful Irish album you’ll hear this year. It has songs galore, but it also has these glorious sounds and flights of imagination where Davey aims for the sky and actually gets there. She’s trying things out, having a go at new ideas and sounding as if she’s having a whale of a time...’ Birr Theatre & Arts Centre • €26.50 • 9pm • : 057 9122911

Dooly’s Hotel presents
Liam Byrne with his fantastic Christy Moore Tribute
Dooly’s Hotel Bar • From 9pm • Admission Free

Dooly’s Hotel presents Dooly’s Hotel presents Nothing But 90’s
Remember Depeche Mode, Weird Al Jankovich, The Verve & all the other good stuff from the 90’s? It’s all back with some very special 90’s promotions for one night only at Melba’s.
Melba’s Night Club • Doors 11pm • Usual House Rules Apply

Saturday 16 August top

Le Marché de France European Market
Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival extends a warm Bienvenue and Fáilte to Le Marché de France European Market. Come to browse & buy from a wonderful array of stalls, with tastes & aromas from France & across Europe, alternative choices & colorful novelties. Fill up on French bread, croissants, crêpes & pastries all freshly baked... Continental cheeses, salamis & hams, spices, olives & exotic nuts. Roasting pork on a spit, German bratwurst sausage & hot dogs. Sweets, tea & coffee. Choose from beautiful gift ideas with wooden crafts, home accessories, novelties, candles, leather bags, jewellery & clothing, soaps & oils.
Emmet Square • 10am – 8pm

Olde Time Traditional Fair
Browse through our many olde worlde stalls, art and contemporary crafts & cuisine.
To apply for a Festival Stall Permit call Gail or John on 057 9120175 or Festival Info Line 087 9226961
Pre-Registered Permit Holders only
Children’s Vintage Costume Competition • 2pm
Green Street • Time 10am-4pm • NO HAWKERS ALLOWED

Story-time for Children • 11.30am
Children’s Art Exhibition Launch • 3pm
eEhibition of paintings (not for sale) by the students of Tatiana Bondareva, aged from 8 - 12 years will run until September 1st.
Birr Library • 057 9124950

Croquet on the Lawn
Bring along a picnic basket, invite your friends and participate.
Birr Castle Demesne • 3pm

Busking Competition: Michael (Dom) Egan Memorial Cup
Play your heart out! Not just for the glory of fame & fortune – but for the chance to take home the Cup! .
Streets of Birr • from 2pm

Mixed Tag Rugby: Frank Egan Memorial Cup
Followed by BBQ .
Moorpark Sports Club • 4pm

Crinkill GAA presents
Sponsored Bed Push
Crinkill Village• 5pm

Vintage Car Rally
Travelling through neighbouring towns and villages en-route.
Arrival at The Thatch at 5pm & Emmet Square at 7pm.

Fanfare Piston
A big welcome back to old friends of the festival. Come along and enjoy the antics of this fantastic French brass band as they greet the Vintage Car Rally!
Emmet Square • 7pm (Also playing later at The Fighting Cocks & The Swan)

Vintage Cycle
Get your High Nelly out from under the cobwebs for this old style cycle through the streets of Birr to Milne’s Pub, Crinkill.
Depart: Emmet Square • 8pm

Sunday 17 August top

Le Marché de France European Market Enjoy a continental brunch before the festivities kick off & shop all day long! (See Saturday for details.)
Emmet Square • 11am – 6pm

Army Band A pre-parade concert • Emmet Square • 2.15pm

Army Band Vintage Parade 3pm Fantastic family entertainment throughout the afternoon including street theatre, brass and pipe bands, vintage cars and bikes, horses and carriages, floats, dancers, clowns, and lots more. All ages welcome to participate in parade – contact Festival Info line 087 9226961 for details.
See Parade Route on map • Parade registration at Marian Hall Car Park before 1.30pm

After Parade Entertainment
Festivities continue throughout the town:
Emmet Square:
Street performers, jugglers, clowns and live music by parade bands including Fanfare Piston - also playing later in Kelly’s • 7pm

Dooly’s Hotel : presents
Kiddies Caberet A fantastic fun-filled afternoon in Dooly’s Hotel Ballroom, including great party games, magnificent kiddies music and some mystical magic with renowned entertainer Konor Halpin.
Ballroom • From 3.30pm • Admission €3

Dooly’s Hotel presents
One Man & His Guitar A great sing-along, the perfect way to round off Festival Parade Day! Dooly’s Hotel Bar • From 5pm • Admission Free!

The County Arms Hotel:
Trad Seisún with Tír na nOg, 5pm

Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival presents Tony Oscar & Kuban Orishas
8 piece Cuban band and world rhythms DJ.
The sensational Cuban Orishas set Vintage Sunday night on fire with their exciting Latin-Dance fusion with Hip Hop, Reggaetton, R&B and Afro-Caribbean influences. Multi-talented showman Tony Oscars effervescent performance and irrepressible charisma stimulates the senses; a fiesta for the body, mind and spirit! A music and dance celebration not to be resisted!
Dooly’s Hotel •11.30pm • €10 (free before midnight) • Strictly over 18’s

Monday 18 August top

JABBA JABBA JEMBE
World Percussion Workshops with David Day
A day of fun percussion workshops for all ages.
Age 3-6 yrs: 10.30–11.30am (younger children to be accompanied by an adult);
Age 6–10 yrs: 11.45am–1.15pm;
Age 10–16 yrs: 1.45pm – 3.15pm.
Birr Theatre & Arts Centre • €5 • : 057 9122911

Lunchtime Concert with Fanfare Piston
Kelly’s • 1pm

Walking Tour of Birr Union Workhouse
Historical tour of one of Ireland last remaining intact workhouse buildings with local historian, Margaret Hogan. Ÿ 3pm

followed by About 100 Experiments
Curator’s Talk
The curator, Eilís Lavelle, will give a tour of the exhibition About 100 Experiments. Exploring where art and science collide, from re-discoveries, borrowed paradigms and working methods. A diverse range of practices come together in this exhibition over 5 venues throughout the town.
Birr Union Workhouse Ÿ 3pm

Birr & District Motor Club presents Tom O’Reilly Memorial Car Treasure Hunt
Fun for all the family. Starts: Emmet Square
Registration: Melbas Night Club • Time: 6pm

U-12 Scooter & U-10 Go-Kart Races
Scooter, Go-Kart & helmet must be supplied by entrant. No helmet – no entry!
Marian Hall Car Park Ÿ 7pm Ÿ FREE
Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Basketball Competition
Entries to David O’Meara, Pharmacy Plus Birr (057 9125560).
Birr Outdoor Education Centre • 7pm

Bramber Studio
Paintings by Hazel Greene and the students of Bramber Studio.
Contact Cyril Stanley 087 2889616.
Ely House (Old Hospital) • 7pm • Wine Reception - all welcome

Taispeántas Scannán
An evening of environmental films.
Water Rising (a short documentary by Muireann de Barra and Aisling Crudden is about the threat of privatisation of water in Bolivia). An Tobar (an hour-long documentary giving a fascinating glimse into the spiritual relationship between Holy Wells and a respect for water). The Water Front (the story of one community's determination to fight the seemingly inevitable path of water privatisation).
Tin Jug Studio • 7pm • Refreshments given. Donations accepted for Art-Aid.

Bar Man’s Race / Trolly Dolly Dash
Come out and support your publicans and staff as they race to revive the good olde Pram Push of Vintage Weeks gone by…
Emmet Square / Streets of Birr • 8pm

Dooly’s Hotel presents
Band Slam 2008
Are you the next Mundy or U2? This could be the start for you and your band. A great battle of the bands competition for all bands under 18. Great music guaranteed! Great prizes include a support slot on Gig Rig at Camcor Capers (see Thursday). For more information call Dooly’s Hotel on 057 9120032.
Melba’s Nite Club • Alcohol Free Event • Doors 8pm • €10 • Usual House Rules Apply

Dooly’s Hotel presents
Kamikaze Karaoke
Are you a closet crooner, or a shower only singer? This is your chance to sing up a storm and have some real fun at a very unique Karaoke event with great spot prizes. Dooly’s Hotel Bar •From 9pm • Admission Free • Usual House Rules Apply

Elvis
Kelly’s • 9pm

Pink Floyd Experience
The Fighting Cocks • 9pm

Singing & Swinging Pubs
The Thatch • 9pm

Tuesday 19 August top

Birr Stage Guild presents
The Trial Of Mr Punch
Written & Directed by Campbell Black
A new play commissioned by Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival
The Trial of Mr Punch is a comic drama about the trial of the illustrious puppet, Mr Punch, on charges of cruelty to his wife, Judy. As the trial proceeds, in a series of zany scenes, the questions arise – is Mr Punch insane, and unfit for trial? Or is he simply a puppet trapped in his own reality? Does he love his wife, or does he love his notoriety more? Punch – cunning, outrageously extroverted, unpredictable – faces the charges in his own inimitable way. But is he really guilty?
Birr Theatre & Arts Centre • €14/12 (including tea/coffee/sandwich) • 1.05pm SHARP • Booking essential • : 057 9122911

39th Annual Antique & Fine Art Fair
Official opening at 2.30pm by Mr Aengus Fanning.
Something for everyone. Furniture, silver, porcelain, clocks, jewellery, linen, paintings etc.
County Arms Hotel • Time: 2.30pm – 9.30pm

Wolftrap Cycling Club
Heritage Cycle
Leisurely cycle to heritage sites in Birr and surrounding areas. Distance to suit entrants. Cycling helmets must be worn.
Starts at Horan’s Shop, Newbridge Street Ÿ 5.30pm

DANCE & FILM DOUBLE BILL
Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival celebrates dance and film with two short duets from Legitimate Bodies Dance Company and screenings of selected short films.
Birr Theatre & Arts Centre • €10/8 • 8pm • Box Office: 057 9122911

Legitimate Bodies Dance Company present
Hanging In There
Devised, created & performed by Nick Bryson & Damian Punch
Straight from the Edinburgh Festival, this remarkably clever dance theatre comedy informed by Northern Ireland politics. Two dancers use irony, humour and some fancy moves to illustrate a negotiation process of constructive ambiguity between two equally legitimate bodies. “Simple, clever and hilarious” The Irish Times

Legitimate Bodies Dance Company present
Make something wrong and I’ll fix it
Choreographed and performed by Nick Bryson & Cristina Goletti
When Cristina and Nick made ‘Make something wrong and I’ll fix it’ there was a shared vocabulary in a two-way process, which they compared to learning a foreign language. Movements are danced and commented on by the two dancers in conversation. In the sea of movement possibility, learnt sequences act as an anchor.

Show Us Your Shorts
Attention all film makers: Call for Submissions
Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival are calling for submission for Show Us Your Shorts. Screenings will start at 8.45pm. There is no set theme; however material should be suitable for viewing by all age groups. Films no longer than 15 minutes should be submitted to Gary Hoctor c/o Birr Theatre & Arts Centre, Birr, Co Offaly no later than 7 August 5pm. Further information 057 9122911 or info@birrvintageweek.com
While the evening is open to all to attend it is an also opportunity for artists to show work and view that of contemporaries.

Paul Barber’s ‘Beautiful Birr’
Paul has lovingly recorded the photographic history of Birr, it’s changing landscapes and faces... His unique collection shows us the wonderful architecture and landmarks of Birr. Major events are also included showing many famous faces and occasions. Paul’s first exhibition at Birr Library was fully booked. Now, due to popular demand, Paul’s ‘Beautiful Birr’ will revive many memories and give a modern perspective on the development of Birr.
Birr Library Ÿ 8pm Ÿ 057 9124950 (Booking essential)

Dooly’s Hotel presents
Mike Denver
Irelands leading country artist and his full band perform for one night only at Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival 2008. Dance the night away to all the hits including the new tracks from his recent stint in Nashville with country legend George Jones.
Dooly’s Hotel Ballroom • Doors 8pm • €15 • Usual House Rules Apply • 057 9120032 for info.

The Folsom Five
Johnny Cash Tribute Band
The Chestnut • 9pm

Nintendo Wii Olympics Final
County Arms Hotel • 10pm

Garden Gig
Music & BBQ in aid of AWARE.
Enright’s, Emmet Square • limited tickets • 057 9120291 for further info

Wedneday 20 August top

Be a 'Passing Artist'
Be a 3 minute artist: WE share materials - YOU paint / draw! We pin it to our wall-canvas for the day. You tag a price for charity/or give to whoever passes by and admires it!
Tin Jug Studio • 10.30am - 12.30pm• Free

Birr Stage Guild presents
The Trial Of Mr Punch
Written & Directed by Campbell Black
(See Tuesday for full details)
Birr Theatre & Arts Centre • €14/12 (including tea/coffee/sandwich) • 1.05pm SHARP • booking essential • 057 9122911

Legitimate Bodies Dance Company present Hanging In There - The Outdoor Version!
Devised, created & performed by Nick Bryson & Damian Punch (See Tuesday for details) Birr Castle Courtyard • 2.30pm

followed by

Walking Tour of Birr
Starting at Birr Castle Courtyard Ÿ 2.30pm

39th Annual Antique & Fine Art Fair
(See Tuesday)
County Arms Hotel • Time: 1.00pm – 9.30pm

Swim Gala: Fun Day & Competitions
Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult
Birr Leisure Centre Ÿ 1pm – 4pm Ÿ Info: 057 9120343

Artists welcome
Local & regional artists welcome. Pop in for refreshments, meet other artists, chat with the public visiting our group exhibition. (Bring your portfolio to sell on the spot!).
Brendan Street (Tin Jug Studio) • 3 – 5pm • Info call Rosalind 087 668 1783

An afternoon with Carol Drinkwater
Carol Drinkwater, an accomplished novelist, is probably best known for her role as Helen Herriot in the BBC series All Creatures Great and Small. Her memoirs of life on an olive farm in Provence are the inspiration for her books: The Olive Farm, The Olive Season, The Olive Harvest and more.
Birr Library • 4-5.30pm • 057 9124950 (Booking essential)

Birr GAA Hurling Tournament
Billy Nevin Memorial Cup: Junior Hurling League - 6.30pm
Tommy Erritty Memorial Cup: Senior Hurling Tournament - 7.30pm
Venue: St Brendan’s Park

Donkey Derby
All the family welcome for a fun filled evening…support local businesses, pubs, clubs & societies as they hee-haw their way to what is unquestionably the Derby Title of the Year!! (Jockeys over 18’s only)
Tug O’War Revival of this Festival favourite!
BBQ with live music in Marquee
County Arms Hotel grounds • Time: 7.30pm

Birr Stage Guild presents
Songs For A Summer Night
Supported by Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival
GERARD O CONNOR (Bass), makes his much awaited return to Birr with an evening of opera and songs from the musicals. Highly acclaimed for his performances with English National Opera, Opera North, Opera Ireland, Edinburgh and Wexford Festivals, RTE Proms and many others, Gerard’s busy career also takes him to perform in Europe and the East. He is joined by SANDRA OMAN (soprano), winner of the 2004 Margaret Burke-Sheridan award for her contribution to opera in Ireland. Sandra performs in opera and concert in Ireland, U.K. Italy, and U.S.A. With MAIREAD HURLEY(accompanist), this promises to be a musical highlight of the year. The programme includes arias and duets from the operas of Verdi, Tchaikovsky, Puccini, Gershwin, and the musicals of Rodgers & Hammerstein, Kern, Lerner& Lowe and Lemar. Book early to avoid disappointment!
Birr Theatre & Arts Centre • €20/€18 • 8pm • 057 9122911

Singing & Swinging Pubs
Last Chance at The Swan • 9pm

Festival Charades Final
Support the finalists in this interpub competition as they battle it out for the perpetual trophy.
The Thatch • 10pm

Thursday 21 August top

Legitimate Bodies Dance Company presents
Feel Good
Led by Cristina Goletti, this is a perfect chance to detox from the hyped up life of the Festival. Bring that early morning summer feeling into your day with a gentle workout for body and mind in idyllic surroundings. Session draws from Yoga and Pilates.
Birr Castle Demesne, Pavillion • 10 – 11am • €5

A Morning of Poetry
Poetry reading by Members of local active retirement groups. Individual members will read a piece of their recently published work. All welcome.
Birr Library •10.30am • 057 9124950

Legitimate Bodies Dance Company presents
Yummy Dance
Summer dance games…not only active, but also to nurture creativity for 3-5 year olds. 11am-12pm
First Footing
Hugely enjoyable summer fun with lots of breathless dance games for 6-11 year olds. 12-1pm
Birr Playground • FREE • Children must be accompanied by an adult. (in case of rain, Marian Hall)

39th Annual Antique & Fine Art Fair
(See Tuesday)
County Arms Hotel • Time: 12.00pm – 6.00pm

Birr Stage Guild presents The Trial Of Mr Punch
Written & Directed by Campbell Black
(See Tuesday for full details)
Birr Theatre & Arts Centre • €14/12 (including tea/coffee/sandwich) • 1.05pm SHARP • booking essential • 057 9122911

Kids Scavenger Hunt
Venue: Gather at Scout Hall (Marian Hall) • Time: 3-5pm • Free
Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Exhibition on the Railings
Presenting Birr’s very own ‘Merrion Square’! Artists are invited to exhibit their work for sale along the railings of Birr Civic Offices. (Artists responsible for their hanging, waterproofing, securing etc their own work – no fee for participation).
Birr Civic Officers, Wilmer Road from 6pm

Camcor Capers
Bonnie Baby Competition (7pm); Mongrel Dog Show (7.30pm); Offaly Youth Dance - The Rite of Summer, Dance Excerpts: see Friday for details.
Giant Climbing Wall, Bouncing Castles lots of fun for all the family. Highlights include live music by Overload on the Gig Rig (supported by Dooly’s Hotel Band Slam winner) and Spectacular Fireworks Display.
Camcor Park • Time: 7pm–Late • Admission: €2 (In Aid of Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival)

STRICTLY NO HAWKERS

Dooly’s Hotel presents
“The World Famous Summertime Christmas Party”
It does what it says on the tin! Christmas Trees, Christmas Punch, Mince Pies, all the decorations, great Christmas music, fantastic spot prizes and a very special summertime appearance by Santa Claus!
Dooly’s Hotel Bar • From early evening • Admission Free!
Melba’s Nite Club • Doors 11pm • €10 • Usual House Rules Apply

Garden Gig
Music & BBQ in aid of AWARE.
Enright’s, Emmet Square • limited tickets • 057 9120291 for further info

Festival Bulls Eye Final
Support the finalists in this interpub competition as they battle it out for the perpetual trophy.
The Swan • 10.30pm

Friday 22 August top

Legitimate Bodies Dance Company presents
Feel Good
(see Thursday). Birr Castle Demesne, Pavillion • 10 - 11am • €5

Birr Stage Guild presents
The Trial Of Mr Punch
Written & Directed by Campbell Black
(See Tuesday for full details)
Birr Theatre & Arts Centre • €14/12 (including tea/coffee/sandwich) • 1.05pm SHARP • booking essential • 057 9122911

Pavement Art
(In case of rain, bring markers /crayons /colour pencils to The Marian Hall) Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Cornmarket Lane • 3pm • FREE for all ages

followed by

Offaly Youth Dance presents
The Rite of Summer – Dance Excerpts
An enchanting short piece celebrating the dance and performance talent of Offaly Youth Dance. Choreographed by Legitimate Bodies Dance Company directors together with the young dancers and former Joffrey Ballet dancer, Rebecca Armstrong. This piece takes a journey through long hot days of melting ice-cream, airport lounges and barbeques where children get to play outside all day, dive under the sea or go for a mountain trek!
This piece will be performed while the Pavement Art Judges make their decision!
Cornmarket Lane • c.4pm • FREE (In case of rain, performance at The Marian Hall)

Book Launch at Birr Library
Birr Library in association with New Island Publishing are pleased to launch ‘Drinking the Colour Blue’, a poetry collection by Birr writer Eileen Casey. Margaret Hogan will officially launch the collection.
Birr Library • 4pm • All welcome

Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival presents
Family Film
The Princess Bride
When a young boy (Fred Savage) stays home while sick, his grandfather (Peter Falk) tells him a story full of “Fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escape, love, miracles.” The fairy tale revolves around Buttercup and Westley, two star-crossed lovers who part so that Westley can seek his fortune. Other characters that cross their path include the Dread Pirate Roberts, Prnice Humperdinck, a genius Sicilian, a gentle giant, and a revengeful Spaniard. Wil true love win out in the end? Birr Theatre & Arts Centre • €5 (Family rate: 1 adult/2children €10) • 7pm • 057 9122911

40th Anniversary Vintage Ball
Featuring Buck Taylor & his amazing 8 piece band.
See out the Festival in style at this fabulous gala night of entertainment.
Dooly’s Hotel • €60 (€600 for table of 12) • Champagne Reception 7.30pm SHARP• (Tickets from Olwyn Enright TD’s office, John’s Place & Emma Ward Tel. 087-2142666

Dooly’s Hotel presents
Ladies Night At Melba’s with DJ Miss Behavin
A little taste of Ibiza with Dj Miss Behavin playing her unique brand of sexy soulful house music. Prize for best dressed lady on the night and a very special loved up cocktail for the first 50 people through the door.
Melba’s Nite Club • Doors 11pm • €10 (Ladies free before midnight) • Usual House Rules Apply