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The countdown to the EastSide Arts Festival is on as the line-up for this year was announced at a colourful launch.

Running from August 19-31, the annual EastSide Arts Festival, delivered by East Belfast Partnership, is a 12-day feast of events.

With 78 events, including 33 which are totally free, the festival covers music, comedy, movies, theatre, talks, workshops, exhibitions, poetry, events for the young and old, community events and heritage tours.

This year the highlight will be two sold out concerts by Belfast musician Van Morrison on Cyprus Avenue.

Another one not to miss are two stars straight from their Glastonbury performances - rising Derry star Soak and East Belfast’s own Duke Special, in concert with special guests Malojian.

Also lined up are acclaimed American jazz singer Dana Masters and Irish music legends Altan, with special guest Kat Turner - and much more.

The festival will host a wide range of readings, film screenings, poetry, heritage events and lectures. Highlights include Glenn Patterson, who will read from his new book ‘Here’s me here’ and author Lucy Caldwell, who will read from her forthcoming debut short stories ‘Multitudes.’

The award winning poet Alice McCullough will perform a series of special outdoor recitals at ‘The Hollow’ throughout the festival, while Sam McCready will perform his one-man show ‘ Percy French Melodies of Unforgotten Years’.

The Festival also features partnerships with two city centre shows which have strong East Belfast connections, from Marie Jones’ comedy, ‘Fly me to the Moon’ at the Lyric to the smash hit musical based on the George Best story ‘Dancing Shoes’, at The Grand Opera House.

There are also two special events in partnership with Féile An Phobail. Songwriters from the EastSide will be performing interpretations of the Van Morrison songbook, along by some performances by artists in Irish, at An Cultúrlann in West Belfast and the critically acclaimed play ‘The Holy Holy Bus’ will be staged at The Stormont Hotel.

Something for young and old is guaranteed. From The Baby Rave at Belvoir Players Theatre to NI Stars’ youth production of the fantastic ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ at the Strand Arts Centre.

Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure Carál Ní Chuilín said: "I am pleased to support the EastSide Arts Festival, an exciting event which continues to grow in stature and confidence each year. East Belfast is an area with strong cultural foundations, and this festival highlights that rich heritage.

"It also reflects the growing diversity and cosmopolitan nature of this part of the city with a busy and eclectic programme. The festival has also joined forces with Féile An Phobail, its counterpart in the west, to cross the city with special shows. These are an illustration of the power of the arts to bring people of different backgrounds and traditions together."

This year the festival has a new principal funder, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

Roisin McDonough, Arts Council Chief Executive, said: “In four short years, EastSide Arts has created something special. Its flagship event, the EastSide Arts Festival – together with the Woodstock R&B festival and the CS Lewis festival - are giving people an unprecedented opportunity to engage in the arts, culture and the life of this community."

Anthony Toner, EastSide Arts Manager, added: "It’s been a whirlwind few months preparing the programme for this year’s festival but I believe we have a programme that showcases and deepens the vision laid out in our Arts Strategy for East Belfast.

"Over the 12 days there is no doubt that people will have fun, be inspired and importantly see the East of the City as a community that is full of creativity, colour and, above all, one that is on a journey of renewal. I want to take this opportunity to thank our key funders, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council and the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure for their support as well as our main sponsors as without them this festival would not have been possible."

For full festival programme including tickets visit www.eastsidearts.net.