Sligo will come alive this July as Cairde Sligo Arts Festival (4-11 July 2026) unveils the first four acts for its exciting programme – a vibrant mix of music, spellbinding dance and laugh-out-loud circus that promises a summer adventure for audiences of all ages. • Among the first artists announced is Noura Mint Seymali, whose music is as vast and elemental as the Sahara itself – a hypnotic fusion of ancient Moorish tradition and electrified desert rock. Saturday 11 July, 8pm – Hawk’s Well Theatre, Sligo €25. • Dance lovers can experience the gripping new work STORM 1.0 by Junk Ensemble. Thursday 9 July, 7pm – Hawk’s Well Theatre, Sligo €25. • For audiences seeking big laughs and spectacle, the acclaimed circus troupe Los Galindos presents MDR – Death from Laughter. Three clowns – Rossinyol, Mardi and Melon – face an unexpected dilemma. Wednesday 8 July and Thursday 9 July, 7pm – Hazelwood House, Sligo €16/Under 18s, €14/Four tickets €55. • The Breath, featuring singer and flautist Ríoghnach Connolly (RTÉ Best Folk Singer 2025) and Manchester-based guitarist Stuart McCallum (The Cinematic Orchestra). Blending alt-folk with raw storytelling, Ríoghnach’s powerful, soulful voice – paired with Stuart’s understated guitar brilliance – creates an intimate yet expansive sound. Thursday 9 July, 9pm – St. John’s Cathedral, Sligo €25.