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Dublin City Council supports free 'We Love July' events across the city next month

By Stephen Holland, DublinLive

Those looking to fill their calendar this July need look no further as Dublin City Council has curated a programme of free events every weekend.

Dublin City Council We Love July is a celebration of culture , imagination, heritage and community spirit taking place across four Saturdays next month. With a focus on music, performance, storytelling, art and play, there’s plenty for families, friends and communities to get up to from 12 noon to 2pm.

The series opens on Saturday July 4 in Smithfield with Heart of Play, a joyful day of exploration, connection and shared experiences. Audiences can enjoy live music, circus, aerial performances, dance, street theatre, workshops, interactive play spaces, walkabout acts and immersive virtual reality experiences. Heart of Play reflects Dublin as a diverse, welcoming and multicultural city where people of all ages can come together to create, explore and connect.

On Saturday July 11, the programme moves to St. Patrick's Park for Heart of Our Story, inspired by Dublin's rich literary heritage and the 300th anniversary of Gulliver's Travels. Storytellers, musicians, puppeteers and circus performers will bring the park to life through performances, workshops and imaginative experiences designed to spark curiosity and celebrate the stories that shape the city.

The journey continues on Saturday July 18 in Merrion Square Park with Heart of Creativity, showcasing imagination, artistic expression and the creative talent that has long defined Dublin. Full programme details will be announced in the coming weeks.

The series concludes on Saturday July 25 in Fairview Park with Heart of Movement, highlighting the energy, activity and sporting spirit that runs through Dublin's communities. Showcasing the many ways people connect through sport, recreation and movement, the event will promote well-being, active lifestyles and opportunities for people of all ages to get involved.

Head of Events & Filming at Dublin City Council Tony Smithers said We Love July is about “about bringing Dublin to life and creating welcoming, inclusive spaces where everyone can come together to connect, create and enjoy the city”. “Across four Saturdays, we are transforming some of Dublin’s most iconic public spaces into vibrant hubs of activity that are open and accessible to all, where people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities can explore, discover and take part.”

“Dublin City Council is proud to deliver this series of free events, celebrating the diversity, creativity and energy of the city, and showcasing the richness of Dublin’s cultural life. We are committed to ensuring these events are inclusive, accessible and representative of all communities, and we look forward to welcoming residents and visitors alike to feel valued, respected and included while enjoying everything Dublin City Council We Love July has to offer".

From toddlers discovering their first puppet show, to teenagers trying virtual reality, to friends enjoying live performances together, and older generations sharing memories and experiences, Dublin City Council We Love July has been designed to ensure there is truly something for everyone.

Together, DCC say these four events create a living portrait of Dublin as "a city shaped by its people, its stories, its imagination and its vitality". "From music, performance and storytelling to art, culture and movement, Dublin City Council We Love July celebrates the many ways people experience and connect with the city".

All events are free and open to everyone. Further programme announcements will be made in the coming weeks.

This content is funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme