Pictures: Thomastown bursts with colour as Creative Arts Festival celebrates local talent

The Thomastown Creative Arts Festival kicked off its 2025 festivities Friday, August 8 with events running until Sunday, August 17. 

Described by the committee as a 'vibrant annual celebration of the incredible talent found right here in our local community'.

The 10 day festival provides a platform to over 100 artists, both established and those who are up and coming. 

Now in full swing, the festival still has many events left for the local community to enjoy. The festival features an array of artist exhibitions, set to turn Thomastown into an immersive gallery. 
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Some of the exhibitions festival-goers can avail of includes The Secret Garden, a collaboration between Berkeley Gallery and Cahir Arts running everyday until the end of the festival on August 17 from 11 am to 6 pm.

The exhibition is a presentation of contemporary Irish art, craft and sculpture and is spread over the indoor galleries and garden of the Grennan Mill.
TAP HERE FOR PICTURES FROM THE SECRET GARDEN OPENING

Beyond viewing other artists works, the festival also offers interactive activities. 

Some activities scheduled for the remainder of the festival are a  Barefoot Dance on Friday August 15 and the Thomastown United’s Annual Family Fun Day on Sunday August 17. 

The schedule of activities left can be viewed below. 

The Thomastown Creative Arts Festival runs concurrently with the Kilkenny Arts Festival. Receiving funding from the Kilkenny Arts Office, it also thrives off of the support from local businesses, community members and it's generous patrons.

With the committee describing the festival as "a true labour of love" it remains open to the public until Sunday August 17.