For nomadic communities the ‘cherra’ (Cant word for ‘fire’) has always been an important place for sharing and connecting; a melting pot of memory, imagination and creativity. Join this special meeting of creative minds, as poets and storytellers gather around the cherra to share work inspired by their nomadic heritage.

Featuring Julia Sweeney - local Traveller writer and poet from Galway, Damian Le Bas - writer, filmmaker and visual artist from the Gypsy Traveller community in UK, and Aka Hansen - filmmaker and poet from the Inuit community in Greenland. This event will also feature a bespoke performance of the National Action Group for LGBTI+ Traveller & Roma Rights - Spoken Word Project.

An immersive audio experience to celebrate Stories and Songs of the Road Vol. 1: a cassette tape made in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, capturing vibrant insights and performances by members of the local Traveller community in Galway. Presented in partnership with the Irish Traditional Music Archive (ITMA), this event will also feature a discussion with family members of those featured on the cassette, and will launch its release online as part of the ITMA Collections. 

Warm up by the Misleór ‘cherra’ (Cant word for ‘fire’), with live storytelling and music from local Traveller artists, paper flower-making and traditional crafts! 

For Travellers and many other nomadic communities the cherra is an important place for sharing and connecting; a melting pot of memory, imagination and creativity. Join us around the cherra to celebrate Traveller culture by simply listening or sharing a story, poem, song or tune of your own!