The annual Boyle Arts Festival was officially opened last night at King House by Oscar nominated actor Brendan Gleeson.
The festival which has run for several years in the north Roscommon town combines music, art exhibitions, poetry readings, drama , and a number of special talks making it one of the most varied in the country.
The event runs for the next ten days finishing up on Saturday the 29th of this month.
Brendan McGee from the festival committee says they're delighted that large crowds turned out in the town last night for the parade to mark the official launch.
He says actor Brendan Gleeson who's been a long-time supporter of the event also was a big hit with locals and visitors alike.