There was something very special about Clonmel on Friday night. Thousands of people filled the streets as the Clonmel Junction Arts Festival got underway with one of the most spectacular outdoor performances the town has ever seen. From families with young children to grandparents and visitors from outside the county, there was a real buzz around the town long before the first lantern appeared.
The award winning theatre company LUXE brought its incredible production, The Seven Rivers of the Sun, to Clonmel, and what followed was a magical procession of light, fire, music and theatre that left everyone amazed.
The procession got underway at around 10.30pm from Kickham Plaza before making its way along Anglesea Street, up the Quay, under the West Gate, along O’Connell Street and back towards Anglesea Street, where it finished with a breathtaking finale.
To say Kickham Plaza was packed would be an understatement. Everywhere you looked there were people waiting patiently for the procession to begin. As the first glowing lanterns appeared, followed by towering illuminated figures, fire performers and the music hoping, you could hear the excitement ripple through the crowd. Children watched wide eyed while adults stood back in amazement, taking it all in.
As the procession wound its way through the streets, Clonmel was transformed. The glow of lanterns reflected off the buildings, flames lit up the night sky and the music echoed around every corner. It created a magical atmosphere that is hard to put into words. It was one of those nights where the whole town seemed to stop and enjoy the moment together.
The Seven Rivers of the Sun is much more than just a parade. It combines theatre, music, light and fire to tell a story of hope, unity and imagination. Every performer brought energy and passion, and it was clear from the smiles and applause along the route just how much the audience appreciated it.
One thing was obvious throughout the night, Clonmel turned out in huge numbers. The crowds were incredible and showed once again that when quality events come to town, local people will support them. It was fantastic to see so many families enjoying the evening together, and the atmosphere from start to finish was electrifying, friendly and full of excitement.
A huge amount of credit has to go to everyone involved with the Clonmel Junction Arts Festival. Bringing a production of this scale to the town is no small task, but they certainly delivered. It was a brilliant way to open this year’s festival and one that people will be talking about for a long time.
Special thanks must also go to David Anchell and his Camida Group for sponsoring this fantastic event. Their support helped bring an international production of this quality to Clonmel, giving local people the opportunity to experience something truly unique right on their own doorstep.
The performers from LUXE were simply outstanding. Every member of the cast gave everything throughout the evening, creating a show full of colour, energy and emotion. They didn’t just light up the streets of Clonmel, they lit up the faces of everyone that were there.
Friday night showed exactly what Clonmel can do. The town looked fantastic, the crowds were enormous, the atmosphere was electric and there was a real sense of pride throughout the evening. Hopefully it won’t be the last time we see something like this, because if the reaction from the crowd was anything to go by, Clonmel would welcome it back in a heartbeat. It was a fantastic night for Clonmel and a wonderful reminder of what can happen when the people of the Town comes together to celebrate the arts.
Clonmel was at its very best the streets were full, the atmosphere was brilliant and there was a real sense of pride in the town. It was a cracking night’s entertainment and one that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
Report by Clonmel Stories.