Ireland’s largest collaborative arts festival is set to return to Dublin after the huge success of the event last year.

The festival has roots in 27 countries and involves 592 organisers hosting over 3,000 events. The 2011 festival had over 120,000 people take place in all kinds of different activities. The Irish festival is now hosted in several nations around the world, with the additions of Scotland and Australia this year.

2012 is European year of Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations so there is a particular focus on young and old participants to come together and promote the theme of ‘What kind of old do you want to be’?

There will be dance events, cinema experiences, painting and theatre displays in a showcase of talent and creativity. It is promoted as ‘chance to communicate traditions between the generations’, and there combines a huge collaborative effort in the country. From local authorities, arts centres, libraries, active retirement groups, care settings, community groups and clubs, everyone gets involved in the celebration of tradition.
This year’s festival will run during the month of May, and there are several opportunities to be involved both as a participant and a spectator.