By Dan Walsh
The 15th annual Gap Arts Festival themed “A Rural Celebration of Culture, Creativity and Community” opens at Ballythomas, Gorey, this evening (Thursday) and runs until Sunday, with a vibrant programme of theatre, music, workshops, art, and family events that bring professional arts to the heart of rural Ireland.
Founded in 2011 to “fill the gap” where professional theatre had long been absent, the festival has grown into a much-loved and vital cultural event, praised by the European Festivals Association as “a unique festival” and nominated for the European Rural Inspiration Award for its success in community engagement.
This year marks a major milestone as the Festival produces its own theatre production.
Each evening, the festival will open with a special screening of Wagon Wheels, a short documentary film by local director Terence White. The film explores the rich folk-art tradition of painting Traveller barrel-top wagons, a beautiful and culturally significant practice captured through a sensitive local lens.
Following the screening, audiences will experience the headline theatrical performance: Shep by Garrett Keogh. Following sell-out runs at the Galway International Arts Festival and Kilkenny, the critically acclaimed play Shep comes home to Wexford.
Set in rural Ireland, Shep is a magical realist tale where a black and white collie meets a golden Labrador – but does the course of love ever run smooth…?
Performed by a stellar cast including Luke Griffin, Noni Stapleton, and Pat Nolan – this gripping and imaginative production conjures dogs, storms, tractors, forestry lorries, sheep and blood… (N.B.; Not suitable for children).
Continuing its mission to nurture local talent and participation, the festival features two exciting community-led projects:
● Music Mentoring: Experienced musicians coach the next generation of singers and players in a dynamic learning environment.
● Subh Dubh – Cnuasach na Tíre: A unique bilingual foraging and food project exploring the rich tradition of local hedgerow fruits, culminating in jam, jelly, and cordial making. Supported by Creative Ireland and Wexford County Council.
● Family Movie Night – Shrek the Third under the stars in the Community Field, a beloved late-night tradition.
● Drop-In Family Art Day – Saturday at Ballythomas School: hands-on painting, facepainting, circus skills with Boggle Circus, market stalls, food, and for the first time, a live-action game of Dungeons & Dragons!
● Photography Exhibition – The Gap Camera Club, born from LEADER-funded training, presents a month-long exhibition at The Gap Pub, opening August 7.
● The Soul Cowboys bring high-energy R&B to the Gap Pub Yard on Saturday night, followed by Boss DJ spinning classic reggae and ska sounds.
● Grand Finale – Magical Moments Concert: Four beloved local groups—Askamore Singers, Ballyfad Choir, Gorey Ukes, and Kindred Folk—join forces in a joyful, family-friendly celebration at Ballythomas School on Sunday at 12.30pm.
Celebrating Culture Where It’s Needed Most Recognised by the Arts Council for creating vital arts infrastructure in a rural area, the Gap Arts Festival continues to bring culture to places it might otherwise not reach.
With generous support from the Arts Council, Wexford County Council Arts Department, Gorey-Kilmuckridge District, and the incredible generosity of local donors, the festival continues to enrich lives and strengthen community ties.
Join in the fun at Ballythomas this August 7–10 for a truly unforgettable celebration of creativity, connection, and rural imagination.
WexfordLocal.com 