Gort’s annual Brigid’s Celebrations will run from this Saturday, January 24, to Sunday, February 1, with a rich programme of music, art, storytelling, workshops and community gatherings for all ages, to honour Brigid and the ancient festival of Imbolc.

At the heart of the festival is the Main Event on Saturday, January 31, beginning at 5:30pm in the town’s Market Square. This will open with performances from the Gort Community Choir, Foróige drummers, sean-nós dancers and the group, Sonic Strings, offering lively entertainment before the community procession begins.

The Brigid’s Procession will begin at 6:30pm, featuring Big Brigid and puppets, music and performance as it moves through the town, arriving at Sullivan’s Hotel at 6:45pm.

Celebrations will continue with performances by Fionnuala Fahey, uilleann piper Eugene Lambe, storyteller Martina Carey, Sonic Strings and Slipper Street Band, who will take the stage at 8pm.

In addition to the Main Event on January 31, Gort will have a week-long celebration programme featuring art, workshops, music, storytelling and guided walks.

The Brigid’s Windows on the World shop window art trail will run from January 30 to February 6, transforming the town’s shopfronts with creative responses to Brigid’s themes of light, craft and renewal. A guided tour will take place on January 31, starting at 3:30pm from Market Square.

Hands-on workshops include Straw Hat-Making next Thursday, January 29, (11am-1pm) and Sean-nós Dancing at Sullivan’s Hotel on Saturday, January 31, at 4pm. Booking is essential for both.

Gort-based artists will also lead Brigid-themed workshops in local national schools throughout the week, putting creativity and heritage at the heart of community life.

Story Time for children takes place this Saturday, January 24, with storytelling and craft workshops facilitated by Martina Carey (details from Gort Library).

Brigid’s Ecstatic Dance, described as “where ritual meets rave”, is on next Friday, January 30, (6pm-9pm)at Gort Movement Collective, George’s Street.

A Riverwalk to honour Brigid takes place on Sunday, February 1, at 11am, meeting at the back of Aldi at the beginning of the Riverwalk.

The programme will conclude with The Ploughed Field, a poetry reading at The Hidden Gem on Sunday at 1pm.

This celebration is rooted in community participation and aims to celebrate Brigid as a symbol of creativity, care and renewal, while welcoming people of all ages.

All events are free and family-friendly, unless otherwise stated.

■ For further information, email Fiona McDonagh at  gortarts@gmail.com or check @gortarts

Pictured: Mairéad Folan of Galway company No Ropes Theatre in its production of Luke. People working in theatre locally are invited to the event in Limerick on February 3.