Arts galore at Le Cheile 2009

While the Le Cheile 2009 music line-up runs to over 30 bands there is also an array of other art forms on offer on the last week of July and the August bank holiday weekend in Oldcastle.Even if the size has grown the sentiment behind the festival remains the same - including the desire to bring a variety of art forms at least once a year.The festival week includes a novel public art exhibition when business premises throughout the town will exhibit 'Primary Colours' - a collection of young people"s paintings inspired by the work of established painters, co-ordinated by Cavan-based artist Michelle Boyle.Marking the Town"s heritage significance on Thursday, July 30 Moylagh Historical Society will lead people on a tour of some of the town"s most important historical buildings and places. Later that evening in what"s described as a 'Lucky Dip' an eclectic mix of music, spoken word, film and dance is on offer at Creans, Screenings by the award winning Monster Animation (whose works include everything from 'Fluffy Gardens' to the wry commentary on commuting in Ireland in 'Are We There yet?' will share the screen with the much anticipated WorldPremiere of a an Oldcastle short film. Film screenings will be interspersed with performances of music and readings in what promises to be a night of surprises!Also that evening is an auction of works of art by artists from Kerry, Leitrim, Westmeath and Meath.Admission is a modest 5 euro and the proceeds of the evening go to Le Cheile"s 2009 Charity 'Mother of Peace' Children"s Home in South Africa which has been supported over the years by a Navan-based group.Friday, July 31 sees the Oldcastle launch of Dominique Davoust"s 'Encounter Meath' Photography exhibition at Oldcastle Library followed by a talk by artists working in various media on the theme of 'A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words'. All are welcome to this free event.Saturday, August 1 sees one of the Le Cheile fringe events (a slightly tongue-in-cheek nod towards the bigger festivals!) 'From the Shoulders Down' a one man play by Richard lynch on the life and loves of a builder"s labourer will be staged at Ballinacree Hall at 8pm.Sunday, August 2 includes an exhibition by Meath Arts Group as well as a Teddy Bears Art Picnic and workshops. Patrons of all ages are encouraged to bring their teddy bear for a teddy painting picnic and workshops for children and adults (ranging from Samba, Poi, Art, Dance and making of masks, dream-catchers, ceramics to hand massage). Workshops cost 5 euro which includes materials and advance sign-up is required. All this takes place in the grounds and rooms of the Oldcastle"s landmark community building - the Gilson Centre.Many of the festivals arts events are free with tickets for the Thursday Lucky Dip evening and Theatre available from Kraft Kaffe, Oldcastle and www.lecheile.com.