August in Kilkenny means AKA Fringe, Kilkenny Arts Festival

We’re into August which means two things on the Kilkenny festival front – AKA and KAF.

AKA 004

For AKA, or the AKA Fringe, or Alternative Kilkenny Arts Fringe, there’s plenty on offer.

A 17-day programme kicks off in earnest tomorrow, Thursday, and continues through to Sunday 19 August. There’s a visual arts and crafts trail, gigs everywhere from Callan to Thomastown to Kilkenny city centre and beyond. There’s live music, comedy, late night events, pub theatre and everything else in between.

Now in its fourth year, the festival is is packing a serious music programme including the likes of Arborist, John Murry, Parts Unknown, Hedge Schools, Pierce Turner, Richie Healy, RSAG, John Blek, Frankenstein Bolts and more.

Check it all out here.

Kilkenny Arts Festival 2018

For the Kilkenny Arts Festival, they’re already looking at a number of sold out shows – including Glen Hansard’s festival appearance – ahead of their 9 August launch.

This year’s festival runs 9-19 August and on the music front brings with it a classical focus on Brahms along with performances from Hansard, Declan O’Rourke, Camille O’Sullivan, Ailbhe Reddy, Marc O’Reilly, Liz Knowles, Maya Youssef and more.

There’s also a jam-packed line up for The Sofa Sessions split between Billy Byrne’s and Set Theatre.

Check the full music programme here.