First Announcements for Kilkenny Arts Festival 2024

As we begin our second half century, we look forward to welcoming you back to Ireland’s Medieval City from 8 – 18 August for a rich, eclectic and exciting programme. Our wonderful city is constantly evolving, mapping new stories on to old stone, and this year’s programme is a reflection of that – a celebration of place and possibility.

We are thrilled to present the Irish Premiere of Jóhann Jóhannsson’s DRONE MASS; performed by two of Ireland’s most virtuosic ensembles, Chamber Choir Ireland and Crash Ensemble, conducted by Paul Hillier in the iconic St. Canice’s Cathedral. The late Icelandic composer Jóhann Jóhannsson was a singular talent, as celebrated for his theatre and film scores (including Arrival and Sicario) as for his orchestral work, and Drone Mass is his defining work.

We are delighted to welcome Kate Stables’ This Is The Kit to Kilkenny Arts Festival, bringing their warm, infectious melodies and gorgeous vocals to St. Canice’s Cathedral on Wednesday 14 August.

Now one of the most eagerly anticipated parts of our Programme, we are delighted to be welcoming back Fictions Picture Company to Light Up The Castle in 2024! Presented in association with the OPW, Light Up the Castle: SIX SIDES SAWN presents the castle as you’ve never seen it before - a spectacle event for all the family. The festival has commissioned video artist and filmmaker Jack Phelan, who will deliver a playful tribute to the art of illusion, sprinkling a little magic of his own on Kilkenny Castle.

Tickets for all of the above are on sale now, so book early to avoid disappointment.

With more early announcements to follow shortly ahead of our full programme in June, keep an eye on our website and social media channels for more information on what’s to come from 8th to the 18th of August!