Holidaymakers Encouraged to Discover Yeats this Summer

Holidaymakers to the North West are being encouraged to discover Yeats this summer at the inaugural Tread Softly, Season of Yeats festival which begins on July 29th.  The two week festival, which is being supported by Fáilte Ireland, will celebrate the link between the Yeats brothers, William Butler and Jack B, and the town of Sligo.

This is just one of a number of festivals across the North West that the tourism authority is supporting this year with an overall investment of €150,000 to Sligo in support of its festival calendar.  Season of Yeats is an exciting departure as it brings together the best of what Sligo has to offer in terms of food, culture, music, poetry and artistic trails and it brings all of these aspects together in what will be a very exciting festival.

Looking forward to a Season of Yeats, Martina Bromley, Head of Operations for Fáilte Ireland in the North West said -

“This festival has been developed to focus on the unique connection of Sligo to the Yeats family and I have no doubt that the event will become a firm fixture in Sligo’s cultural calendar.

“Both domestic and international visitors to Sligo will be able to connect with all aspects of the Yeats Family’s cultural heritage and avail of a well curated programme of events surrounding their cultural legacy.

“We have received great support from The Model, The Blue Raincoat, The Hawkswell Theatres, Sligo Yeats Partnership, Cairde, The Yeats International Summer School and local tourism businesses - all working closely together to bring a wonderful array of Yeats entertainment to life on the street of Sligo this August.”

Tread Softly is a new festival bringing the story of two of Sligo’s greatest sons to life with 10 days of music, theatre and exhibitions. Sligo’s Season of Yeats will be coming to a climax at the Yeats International Summer School and Tread Softly having begun back on June 13th, the poet’s Birthday and the inaugural Yeats Day.

Ms Bromley also called on the local community to get involved –

“We want to encourage all Sligo residents to get involved and the Vintage Day on Saturday August 4th is a great occasion to do just that.  Sligo will turn back the clock to host a very special Yeats Vintage Day with vintage cars and carriages and prizes for best dressed man and woman, this will be a great day and all for a very worthy cause, the North West Hospice.”

For full information and programme details log on to www.seasonofyeats.com