- Ring in 2016 with Ireland’s biggest New Year celebration
- NYF Dublin announces 3 day programme
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe TD, today (Friday) officially launched NYF Dublin – a three-day citywide festival celebrating the best of contemporary Irish talent in arts, music, culture and live entertainment. Now in its second year, NYF Dublin has expanded to include many new elements and events for all ages.
Spanning the New Year period from 30 December – 1 January, NYF will celebrate the diversity and complexity of Ireland’s contemporary culture with a showcase of talent in music, design, art and the spoken word over the last 100 years as we approach the celebration of the centenary of 1916.
Speaking at the launch Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe T.D., said: ‘We have had an exceptional year in terms of tourism and we intend to end the year with style. Fáilte Ireland and Dublin City Council have developed this Festival together to grow Dublin’s reputation as a destination for New Year celebrations. The range of entertainment and events on offer during NYF will entertain visitors and Dubliners alike. I am confident that everyone who takes part in the New Year celebrations will have a great time and be impressed by the manner in which Dublin marks the year’s end.’
Ardmhéara Bhaile Átha Cliath / Lord Mayor of Dublin, Críona Ní Dhálaigh, today endorsed the variety of the NYF Dublin programme:“The partnership approach between Dublin City Council and Fáilte Ireland in recent years has ensured the growth of the Festival to its position as one of Dublin City’s annual headline events that appeals both to locals and visitors. I am looking forward in particular to the free public events and would encourage the general public to turn out in numbers to enjoy the festivities in the unique atmosphere of the City Centre. Finally, I would like to extend the warmest Cead Mile Fáilte to all visitors who join us to celebrate the New Year. Ath bhliain faoi mhaise dhaoibh go léir.”
Explaining the importance of the festival, Noel John McLoughlin, Director of Marketing with Fáilte Ireland, emphasised: “A young festival by any standard, the NYF is quickly becoming the jewel in Dublin’s winter crown, and proving to be a great draw for international visitors, with last year’s event attracting over 50,000 visitors from both home and abroad. The St Stephen’s Green Street Fest is a great new addition to the Festival and will provide festival-goers with more options to ring in 2016.”
“This vibrant festival allows Dublin to compete with other cities when it comes to New Year’s celebrations and we look forward to welcoming international visitors to Dublin once again this year for an action-packed programme of festive fun.”
The NYF Dublin Festival is an initiative by Fáilte Ireland in partnership with Dublin City Council and produced and promoted by Holohan Leisure and MCD Productions.
Participants in this year’s festival will be able to join in the magical candlelit Procession of Light and take part in the World Record Attempt for the Biggest Bodhrán Session amongst other activities. Festival-goers can also watch as city streetscapes come alive with Luminosity 3D animations and be spellbound by the outstanding Spoken Word Festival and Story@work which are part of the many Love Dublin events and culture trails happening across the city. Eventually, revellers can ring in the New Year at either the Three Countdown Concert or the NYF Street Fest and, the day after, look to the future with positivity at Resolution Day.
ENDS
Note to Editors
Three Countdown Concert: Three Arena – 31 December 2015
The 2014/2015 Three Countdown was a total sell-out and this year will be no different with stellar music performances lined up for this year from The Coronas, Fat Boy Slim, Ryan Sheridan, Kíla and The Little Hours. Taking place in the 3Arena, tickets for the event are available now from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide and www.ticketmaster.ie. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
The Procession of Light
Last year, 10,000 spectators witnessed the stunning Procession of Light through Dublin city. Building on last year’s success, NYF Dublin invites the public to experience the city enchanted as some of Dublin’s most well-loved streets erupt in a Stunning Street Procession with Dazzling Light Installations, Music, Performers and a touch of New Year Magic.
Attendees will be able to watch along the route or participate in the procession and light the way with special NYF lanterns. A limited number of NYF lanterns will be available on December 31st with all donations going to Focus Ireland. Focus Ireland is a registered charity that works to prevent people becoming, remaining or returning to homelessness.
World Record attempt
As part of the finale for the Procession of Light NYF Dublin are inviting members of the public to help break the world record for the world’s largest bodhrán session. The last largest bodhrán ensemble recorded was 980 people.
NYF Street Fest: Stephen’s Green South
NYF Dublin is also introducing a brand new addition for 2015 its first ever Street Fest. Revellers can ring in the New Year with live music performances and enjoy the festivities as Stephen’s Green comes alive with people from all over the world gathering to welcome in 2016 in style.
The NYF Street Fest will feature the best alternative, traditional and party music with something for everyone. Details of the line-up will be announced shortly and further additional special events will be announced over the coming weeks.
NYF Music Trail
The NYF Music Trail is a curated music trail for two days of the NYF event in Dublin to showcase Dublin as a music city destination.
Fifteen venues across the city on both the 30th and 31st December will play host to live music from the best new artists Ireland has to offer selected from Dublin’s prestigious showcase event, the ‘Hard Working Class Heroes’ line up.
The trail demonstrates how the city supports its artists while also creating a fantastic atmosphere of pop up goodies for visitors and residents alike during the bank holiday Festival.
Resolution Day
Taking place at various locations on 1st January 2016, ‘Resolution Day’ will involve a host of fun activities to help people kick start the year focusing on Fun, Fitness, Health, Renewal and Mental Wellbeing. Members of the public will be encouraged to start the year by trying something new and have some fun. The events will include the Lord Mayors 5K Run at the Phoenix Park.
And many many more events…