The festive spirit of the Kilkenny Arts Festival returns to the Marble City for the 33rd year running. International and Irish acts performing a colourful concoction of drama, music, literature, dance and comedy will infuse the streets with a lively atmosphere.

Musical highlights include dance floor jazz from the Five Corner's Quintet; the return of the breathtaking Ex Cathedra in St Canice's Cathedral; authentic trad music from Téada & Beoga, as well as funky afrobeat sounds from Nigerian Femi Kuti.

A great selection of Comedy Acts will run throughout the festival with unmissable acts such as the hilarious comedians known as The Ornate Johnsons. Top theatre from the acclaimed French group Fiat Lux; hip hop for the kids with the Mayhem Poets are just some of the delights at the Kilkenny Arts Festival.

The sensational festival parade will grace Kilkenny Streets and performances by the world acclaimed Argento Chamber Ensemble and an Asian flavoured evening called Masala will leave you spoilt for choice.

Street Theatre will be a prominent feature of this year's Kilkenny Arts Festival exentuating the festival atmosphere. An inopportune Meet the Artists event will allow fans and art lovers to rub shoulders with some renowned artists.

The Kilkenny Arts Festival is a real all inclusive Arts experience with a Young Peoples section attracting some fantastic international and Irish performances. This is just a taste of the fine quality at the Kilkenny Arts Festival.