Profiling performers and activities coming up at this year’s ArtsFest. 

Based in the Medway towns, with classes in Chatham, Gillingham, Aylesford and Faversham, the Macmanigan Academy of Irish Dancing is taught by ex-Riverdance cast members Nula and Kirsty Macmanigan. 

The Academy was founded in 2001 by twin sisters Kirsty & Nula. Both girls have toured the world performing  on cruise ships, in dance shows, pop videos and even in a film directed by John Henderson with Randy Quaid, Whoopi Goldberg, Roger Daltrey, Colm Meaney and Zoe Wanamaker, called ‘The Magical Legend of the Leprechauns’. 

The school provides opportunities for children and adults to participate in showcases and competitions locally and all over the world. It has won many competitions including Great Britain titles in figure, and competes at world-class level in many countries abroad including Ireland, Italy, and Spain. They also dance regularly at festivals throughout Kent, including Rochester Sweeps Festival and the Faversham Hop Festival. 

This is the second year that the dancers will appear at ArtsFest, and they’re looking forward to high-stepping and kicking their way into your hearts. 

Further details about the entire day can be found on-line here. 

ArtsFest: don’t miss out, just turn up!

(The ‘Was It Good For You’ column returns in three weeks’ time).