Bealtaine Festival Launch
The Cathaoirleach Patsy Barry officially opened the month long annual Bealtaine Festival on Wednesday 3rd May at the Clarion Hotel. Brenda O’Callaghan’s junior troupe performed a wonderful dance piece to open the festival. Readings from members of the Cliffoney and Calry Active Age Groups delighted the audience and the Arts Department DVD showcasing Bealtaine activities throughout the county was warmly received by the large audience present. The annual Bealtaine festival, which encourages creativity in older age, continues this week and next with a number of events throughout Sligo. As part of the Bealtaine Festival Nazareth House are hosting a family day on Sunday, 14th May with an exhibition of artwork, music, dance and poetry. The artwork on exhibit on Sunday was created by the residents who have taken part in a selection of creative workshops which have taken place over the last few months. The event will be formally opened by the Mayor Cllr Rosaleen O’Grady at 2.00pm.	Brenda O'Callaghan (L) with Cos Cos Dancers who performed at the opening of the Bealtaine Festival Brenda O'Callaghan with Cosoige Dancer who performed at the opening of the Bealtaine Festival Part of the audience at the opening of the Bealtaine Festival
Screen Active Age Group are holding an open evening in Skreen Day Centre on Tuesday, 16th May at 8.00pm. They are exhibiting a variety of craftwork including pottery, card making and fabric painting created by the members throughout the year. They are a welcome new group to the Bealtaine Festival and they have produced their work with great passion and commitment. All are invited to attend. On Wednesday, 17th May at 7.00pm the Bealtaine festival will be celebrated at the Enniscrone Day Centre with a traditional music performance and an exhibition of artwork. This group are also new to the festival and throughout the year they have discovered many new creative talents. This highlights that creativity is ageless and has no boundaries. St. John’s Hospital are hosting an exhibition throughout the month of May of work that was created by the residents throughout the year. Arts have a key role to play in the health of mind, body and spirit of individuals. The Health Service Executive and the Arts Department of Sligo County Council have recognised this and support the strong role of the arts in contributing to the well being of older people. The Bealtaine Festival provides a unique opportunity to showcase the creative work of older people in the region. Each week the Sligo Champion gives an outline of the forthcoming activities. For more information please contact Bairbre Ferguson at the Arts Department of Sligo County Council on (071) 9111984.