1. Gvozdene Kapije (The Iron Gates)
Barbara Kneževic
VISUAL ARTS
Sat 29 Mar – Fri 30 May | Free admission
Gvozdene Kapije (The Iron Gates) is a series of sculptural objects and a single-channel film that interprets the history, stories, materiality, and the development of technology in the Iron Gates region, a deep scenic gorge at Derdap on the Dunav (Danube) River on the border of Serbia and Romania.
The series of large-scale sculptures in the exhibition implement the language of monuments and temporality. They are composed of industrial materials that are then handmade, welded chain, mesh and steel are formed and fabricated alongside intimate, domestic materials such as ceramics, fabric, stone and wood. Sculptures are shown alongside and feature as actors in a single-channel film of the same title, that the artist describes as a ‘sculptural film’.
2. What Remains Absent
Feá McCoy
VISUAL ARTS
Sat 29 Mar – Fri 30 May | Free admission
Feá McCoy is a visual artist and photographer from Cork. Working primarily in still photography, she uses analogue mediums with a particular focus on slide film and the performance of projection. McCoy’s work describes the relationship between memory, place and grief. Navigating the past through archival family material such as photographs and home videos, McCoy creates work that is an act of remembering and reimagining, attempting to construct a fantastical past and uncover alternate versions of a real one.
3. Azure: Dementia-Inclusive Gallery Tours
LEARNING & ENGAGEMENT
Fri 25 Apr, 30 May, 27 June & 25 July | 11am | Free, booking required
Join us for guided exhibition tours specifically designed to support people living with dementia and their family, friends, or professional carers. Engage at a relaxed pace and explore up to three artworks in our gallery. Looking and discussing art in the moment together, these social tours are followed by complimentary tea/coffee in Solstice Café.
Each tour comprises of small groups of up to 8 people. We are flexible in our planning, so please get in touch if these dates or times do not suit you.
For more information or to book please contact Deirdre: deirdre.rogers@solsticeartscentre.ie
4. Life Drawing with artist Cáit Moloney
REGULAR CLASS
Tuesdays 29 Apr - 27 May | 7pm - 9pm | €65 (5 weeks) | Adults/students
Guided by artist Cáit Moloney, these relaxed, social sessions are an opportunity to flex your life drawing skills and improve your drawing practice. Over a number of sessions, engage at your own pace, focusing on different elements of drawing the human figure with a variation of models and props. Artists of all levels are welcome. Participants are asked to bring their own drawing materials of choice. Chairs, drawing boards and light refreshments will be provided.
5. An Evening of Music by Ryuichi Sakamoto
MUSIC
Thu 1 May | 8pm | €20 / €18
Curated and performed by leading Irish pianist Ruth McGinley and musician/composer Matthew Nolan on synthesiser, this evening of music is dedicated to the memory and work of legendary composer, pianist, record producer, and actor Ryuichi Sakamoto. Perhaps best known for his film scores including Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence (which he also starred in with David Bowie), Sakamoto’s influence on electronic and popular music can still be felt to this day.
6. Ralph McTell: Time Drift of the Road
MUSIC
Fri 2 May | 8pm | €34
Legendary British singer-songwriter Ralph McTell marks his 80th year with his most extensive tour of Ireland to date. Composer of the Ivor Novello award-winning, international hit song ‘Streets of London’, McTell has been a stalwart of the folk scene for over five decades, viewing this tour as a celebration of artistry and a continued love for live music.
7. Landscapes of Resistance + Q&A
FILM
Wed 7 May | 7:30pm | Free, booking required
Serbo-Croation | Serbia, France, Germany | 96mins | 2021 | Cert: CLUB | Dir: Marta Popivoda
Landscapes of Resistance is a documentary tracing a journey through the memories of antifascist fighter Sonja (97), one of the first Partisan women in Yugoslavia, who was also among the leaders of the Resistance movement at Auschwitz.
This screening includes a Q&A with exhibiting artist Barbara Knezevic and the film’s director Marta Popivoda.
8. The Kevin Brady Electric Quartet
MUSIC
Thu 8 May | 8pm | €22/€18
One of the most sought-after drummers on the music scene, Kevin Brady and his Electric Quartet find themselves heading in a groundbreaking new direction. Featuring the lyrical mastery of Seamus Blake on Tenor Saxophone, the ethereal textures of Bill Carrothers on Fender Rhodes, and long-time rhythm colleague bassist Dave Redmond, this ensemble has created a body of work that balances intricate jazz improvisation with deeply emotive resonance, pushing the boundaries of what modern jazz can be.
9. Chris Kent: Offline
COMEDY
Fri 9 May | 8pm | €25
Cork’s own Chris Kent returns with a brand new show ‘Offline’. He tries to give up the internet and navigate life without asking his phone what to eat, where to go or how to get home. He longs for a simpler time of playing ‘Snake’ and constructing emojis himself. Now that he has hit 40 years of age, he wonders if he can ever go back to thinking for himself. Join him on a journey that will either make him or break him.
10. Route 66 Big Band in Concert
MUSIC
Sat 10 May | 8pm | €25
The fabulous 16-piece big band with a difference, Route 66 bring their amazing concert back to Solstice. Taking audiences on a magical musical tour from the 40s right up to today, this show features numbers made famous by Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones, Adele, and many more. It’s a great mix of music played with a brilliant big band sound and a treat for every age.
11. Impulse Gymnastics: Fit Kid Showcase
FAMILY
Sun 11 May | 3pm | €16 / €55 (family of 4)
Impulse Gymnastics warmly invite you to their Competitor Showcase, where their athletes will present their routines before competing in the Fit Kid National Championship this June. The event will feature performances by their World and European Champions, as well as silver, bronze, and topranking competitors.
12. Blue Road: The Edna O’Brien Story
FILM
Mon 12 & Wed 14 May | 7:30pm | €7.50/season pass or bundle
English | Ireland | 99mins | 2024 | Cert: 12A | Dir: Sinéad O’Shea
From documentary filmmaker Sinéad O’Shea (Pray for Our Sinners), Blue Road sees Irish writer Edna O'Brien recount her controversial life, novels, love affairs, and stardom through personal journals read by actress Jessie Buckley, with perspectives from Gabriel Byrne, Walter Mosley and an array of renowned writers.
13. Take Me to the River: Launch Evening
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Tue 13 May | 6pm | Free, booking required
Presenting Take Me to the River public engagements for 2025, we invite environmental activists, ecologists, landowners, educators, artists, families, individuals, and community groups to our launch evening at Solstice. Encouraging collaboration, hear from Meath County Council Biodiversity Office, Boyne Rivers Trust, The School of Looking, The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), LAWPRO, and a diverse range of community climate action groups promoting citizen science initiatives and community activism.
If you wish to be involved in our launch, please contact deirdre.rogers@solsticeartscentre.ie for more information.
14. Sculpting with Words
SCHOOLS
Thu 15 May | 9:30am & 11:30am | Free, booking required | Primary, 2nd to 6th Class
Discover and respond to the themes and multiple cultural identities that inspired artist Barbara Kneževic to create new sculptural and film works in her solo exhibition ‘The Iron Gates’. Following a gallery tour with visual artist Mary Kervick, pupils will be encouraged to think about words that are meaningful to them, in a language of their choice, or native tongue. Through a process of collaboration and participation, each child will build a vocabulary of home and belonging through processes of writing, collage and clay building.
With an emphasis on looking and responding to art, this explorative workshop also links to language and literacy, identity and belonging, SESE, geography, history and SPHE.
15. Cormuin Ó Raghallaigh: From Baroque to 20th Century
MUSIC
Thu 15 May | 7:30pm | €18
A classical pianist and organist living in Navan, Cormuin Ó Raghallaigh promises a delightful evening of solo piano music incorporating 5 different musical genres - baroque, classical, romantic, impressionist and 20th century. The programme includes Haydn’s late Sonata in C major, Schubert’s beautiful Impromptu in B-flat major and 2 delightful nocturnes by Chopin.
16. Irish-Palestine Solidarity Fundraiser: The Wanted 18 + Panel Discussion
FILM
Fri 16 May | 7:30pm | €10
Various languages with subtitles | Palestine, Canada, France | 75mins | 2014 | Cert: CLUB | Dir: Paul Cowan, Amer Shomali
Humorous and thought-provoking, The Wanted 18 is a documentary following the story of eighteen dairy cows declared a threat to Israel’s national security after a group of Palestinians begin producing milk for their town’s residents.
This screening will be followed by a panel discussion with Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign chairwoman Zoë Lawlor, Senator Frances Black, Rebecca O'Keeffe (Irish Sport for Palestine), and Mayor of Navan Eddie Fennessy.
17. Biodiversity Week: Puffin Rock and the New Friends
FILM
Sat 17 May | 11am | Free, booking required
English | Ireland, UK | 80mins | 2023 | Cert: G | Dir: Jeremy Purcell
Following the disappearance of the Little Egg in strange circumstances, the Puffin Rock crew and new friends embark on a race against time to save it before a big storm puts the island in danger. Puffin Rock and the New Friends celebrates Ireland’s magnificent natural environment with themes of belonging, courage, and friendship. Screening as part of Biodiversity Week.
18. DirtBirds: Girls World Tour
COMEDY
Sat 17 May | 8pm | €30
After their last sell out tour, which received standing ovations across Ireland and the UK, DirtBirds are bringing their highly relatable and spot on observational comedy back to the stage. With a mix of stand-up and sketches, this hilarious new show explores the fascinating female mind. Come along and make it a girl’s night out! Go on… you deserve it.
19. Spotlight Stage School
DANCE
Fri 23 - Sun 25 May | €18 / €16 (under 12)
Fri 23 May: 7pm | Sat 24 May: 2pm & 7pm | Sun 25 May: 5:30pm
Ireland’s leading stage school - Spotlight Stage School, is delighted to return to Solstice for their class show, featuring every member of the Navan school. The show will feature a broad range of music from musical theatre to current pop tunes, with children ranging from 3 to 18.
20. Meath Move: Open Practice
DANCE
Wed 28 May | 11am | Free, booking required
Selma Daniel invites artists of all disciplines who are interested in movement. Open Practice is a series of improvised sessions open to professional artists across all art forms, with an aim to inspire and build an arts network within Meath. Artists are invited to bring a selection of materials from their practice, and dancers can bring a movement task. Artists will be offered time and space to reflect and/ or work on their personal projects. Open Practice will be led by Selma and a guest dance artist.
21. The Brutalist
FILM
Wed 28 May | 7pm (please note earlier start time) | €7.50/season pass or bundle
English, Hungarian | USA, UK | 215mins (including 15min intermission) | 2024 | Cert: 16 | Dir: Brady Corbet
When visionary architect László Toth (Oscar winner Adrien Brody) and his wife Erzsébet (Felicity Jones) flee post-war Europe in 1947 to rebuild their legacy and witness the birth of modern America, their lives are changed forever by a wealthy client who commissions László to design a grand modernist monument in this enthralling epic. This film contains a 15-minute intermission.
22. Dunshaughlin Choral: 50th Anniversary Concert
MUSIC
Fri 30 May | 8pm | €25
The Dunshaughlin Choral warmly invites you to celebrate their 50th Anniversary! Join them for an unforgettable evening featuring the talented Leah Barniville and esteemed host Eamonn Toal. Showcasing beloved musical favourites from the past five decades, this concert promises to be a wonderful evening, evoking cherished memories of many outstanding performances with both past and present members.
23. Anne Gildea: Further Adventures in WOMANING
COMEDY
Sat 31 May | 8pm | €22
From the woman who taught you How to Get the Menopause and Enjoy It, join Anne as she explores the world of the feminine, the mammy, and the twerky dancer. From 18-hour girdles and Housewives of The Year to ripped influencer grannies pumping iron on Insta, from Angel Delight to Ozempic and back to the chiffon scarf test: Anne weaves a pant-wetting path through a changing half century of womany stuff...
24. I’m Still Here
FILM
Wed 4 Jun | 7:30pm | €7.50/season pass or bundle
Portuguese | Brazil, France | 138mins | 2024 | Cert: 12A | Dir: Walter Salles
It’s 1971, and Brazil faces the tightening grip of a military dictatorship. Eunice Paiva, a mother of five children, is forced to reinvent herself after her family suffers a violent and arbitrary act by the government. Based on Marcelo Rubens Paiva's biographical book that tells the true story that helped reconstruct an important part of Brazil’s hidden history.
25. St. Oliver Plunkett’s NS: A Hint of Snow White
MUSICAL
Wed 11 & Thu 12 Jun | 7:30pm | €10
Once upon a time, in the colourful, quirky land of Duluxumbourg, there was an UNMISSABLE musical. Join the adventures of the evil Queen Malodorous, the talented and ambitious artist ‘Prince-sy’, the joyful Cleanie Jeanie, and all of their friends in this feel-good, must-see musical!
26. St. Joseph’s CNU & Beaufort House present: The Circle of Life
VARIETY
Fri 13 June | 7:30pm | €30
A variety show with local talent from Trim, Navan, and local areas in County Meath—dancing, drama, musicians, and singing.
27. These Magnetic Magnitudes
Cecilia Danell
VISUAL ARTS
Sat 14 Jun – Sat 16 Aug | Opening Reception: Sat 14 Jun, 2:30pm
These Magnetic Magnitudes is a solo exhibition of new work in painting, textiles, ceramics and film by Cecilia Danell, curated by Brenda McParland. In a practice which is rooted in materiality and process, the starting point for Danell’s work is a first-hand engagement with the landscape of the area in Sweden where she grew up. Bodily memories of moving through the places she depicts are mirrored in the physical endeavour of painting on a large scale, which creates its own spatial choreography. A new series of large paintings considers ideas around spectatorship and participation, inspired by the large nature dioramas at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. We are presented with scenes that invite the viewer to step into them, yet we’re prevented by the fact that it’s a 2D surface, and Danell continuously points back to this push and pull between realism, abstraction and the materiality of paint itself. The exhibition will also be accompanied by a new publication.
28. Legends of American Country 2025
MUSIC
Sar 14 Jun | 8pm | €26
The hit show returns for another fantastic night of toe-tapping country nostalgia, showcasing highly acclaimed tributes to Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, and Kenny Rogers alongside new tributes to icons Shania Twain, Garth Brooks, new kid on the block Luke Combs, and many more! Don’t miss this must-see musical extravaganza.
29. Navan Pride: The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
FILM
Mon 16 Jun | 7:30pm | €7.50
English | Australia | 104mins | 1994 | Cert: CLUB | Dir: Stephan Elliott
Bernadette (Terence Stamp) is a middle-aged transsexual mourning the recent death of her lover. She embarks on a cabaret tour with two transvestite friends, Mitzi (Hugo Weaving) and Felicia (Guy Pearce), and together they set out for a professional engagement in Alice Springs in a gaudily painted bus they christen Priscilla.
30. Navan Pride: Wicked
FILM
Tue 17 Jun | 7:30pm | €7.50
English | USA | 159mins | 2024 | Cert: PG | Dir: John M. Chu
After two decades as one of the most beloved musicals on stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen. Starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, this prequel to The Wizard of Oz tells the untold story of the Wicked Witch of the West and how she came to be.
31. Navan Pride: Breaking Down Barriers
TALK
Wed 18 Jun | 7:30pm | Free, booking required
Breaking Down Barriers is a panel discussion taking place as part of Navan Pride 2025 at Solstice. This year the panel will discuss topics surrounding LGBTQ+ rights in the past, present, and future.
32. ELITE: Dancing Through Life
DANCE
Sat 21 & Sun 22 Jun | 2pm & 7pm | €17 / €15
Elite School of Performing Arts present their annual end of year showcase which includes songs and scenes from The Wizard of Oz, Sister Act, and a musical trip through the ages of pop from the 70’s to present day! A fun filled show for all the family.
33. Scoil Naomh Barra: Matilda JR
MUSICAL
Tue 24 & Wed 25 Jun | 7pm | €20 / €15 / €60 (family of 4)
Rebellion is nigh in Matilda JR, a gleefully witty ode to the anarchy of childhood and the power of imagination! This story of a girl who dreams of a better life will have audiences rooting for the “revolting children” who are out to teach the grown-ups a lesson.
34. Meath Move Gathering
DANCE
Sat 28 Jun | See full event details on our website
Join us for Meath Move Gathering, a vibrant day long celebration of dance for all ages and abilities! This exciting event invites the local community to explore the world of dance through a variety of experiences. Whether you're looking to get moving in interactive classes, enjoy family-friendly dance activities, watch inspiring dance films, or witness professional stage performances, there’s something for everyone.
The day will culminate in a lively, fun-filled community dance session, with live music bringing the event to a joyful close. It's an opportunity to connect, celebrate creativity, and experience the power of movement in a way that’s open to all. Don’t miss out on this unique chance to be part of a growing arts network in Meath!
35. This Landscape
WORKSHOP
Sat 28 Jun | 10am (240mins) | €30 / €20 (student) | 16+
Taking inspiration from Cecilia Danell’s exhibition These Magnetic Magnitudes, create a personal, visual response to the river Boyne landscape.
Beginning with a guided walkthrough of the exhibition, Danell will share some of her working methods and how she translates first-hand experiences of her native landscape in Sweden into large-scale artworks. This is followed by a walk to the nearby Boyne Ramparts, where participants will employ Danell’s methods of looking at our immediate surroundings and determine what they feel most drawn to.
Returning to Solstice, participants will then respond to these landscape using large scale intuitive drawing and painting. Guided by Danell, enjoy fluid movements and a relaxed atmosphere as you translate your experience onto large sheets of paper to take home. No previous art making experience necessary.
36. Musical Theatre Summer Camp
SUMMER CAMP
Mon 30 Jun - Fri 4 Jul | 10am - 1pm daily | €80 (Sibling rate available) | Ages 6-12
Caithriona Mongey-Madden leads a fun musical theatre camp where children and teens can learn their favourite pieces with qualified teachers in musical theatre. Includes a showcase on the stage on the final day of camp.
Booking | ph: 087 9658850 or email: mongeymaddenmusic@gmail.com
37. Artistic Explorers Summer Camp
SUMMER CAMP
Wed 2 - Fri 4 Jul | 10am - 1pm daily | €60 | Ages 8-12
Travelling amongst artworks by Swedish artist Cecilia Danell in Solstice Gallery this summer, our Artistic Explores will navigate the real and imagined, fantastical and surreal. Producing drawings, paintings, and 3-dimentional forms to make personal dioramas, our connections and memories of place will inform our creative journey. Dress for a little mess!
38. A Complete Unknown
FILM
Wed 2 Jul | 7:30pm | €7.50/season pass or bundle
English | USA | 141mins | 2024 | Cert: 12A | Dir: James Mangold
Set in the influential New York City music scene of the early 1960s, A Complete Unknown follows 19-year-old Minnesota musician Bob Dylan's (Timothée Chalamet) meteoric rise from an unknown folk singer to a worldwide sensation, culminating in his groundbreaking electric rock-and-roll performance at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965.
39. Navan School of Ballet Summer Camp
SUMMER CAMP
Week 1: Mon 7 - Fri 11 Jul | Week 2: Mon 11 - Fri 15 Aug
Camp 1: Ages 3 – 4 years, 9:45am – 10:45am daily, €40 / €35 (2nd sibling)
Camp 2: Ages 5 – 8 years, 11am – 1pm daily, €70 / €65 (2nd sibling)
Camp 3: Ages 9 – 12 years, 11am – 1pm daily, €70 / €65 (2nd sibling)
Camp 4: Over 12 years*, 2pm – 4pm daily, €70 / €65 (2nd sibling)
*(must have ballet experience for Camp 4)
Navan School of Ballet Summer Camp has been designed to inspire budding ballerinas of all ages. It includes preparing choreography and working on a performance for parents at the end of the week, designing sets, choosing costumes, and deciding together on face painting. Each year the camp gets more and more popular, so early booking is advised to avoid disappointment!
40. The Seed of the Sacred Fig
FILM
Wed 9 Jul | 7:30pm | €7.50/season pass or bundle
Persian | France, Germany | 167mins | 2024 | Cert: 15A | Dir: Mohammad Rasoulof
Shot in Iran entirely in secret, this award-winning thriller centres on a family thrust into the public eye when their father is appointed as an investigating judge in Tehran. As political unrest erupts in the streets, he realizes that his job is even more dangerous than expected, making him increasingly paranoid and distrustful of everyone around him, including his own wife and daughters.
41. Design & Sewing Summer Camp
SUMMER CAMP
Mon 14 - Fri 18 Jul | 9:30am - 1:30pm daily | €165 | Ages 7-17
Get creative, design and make a summer outfit and tote bag, facilitated by qualified designers. All are welcome, 7 years to teens and no experience is required. The summer camp runs over 5 days and on the final day we will have a fashion show.
42. A Real Pain
FILM
Wed 16 Jul | 7:30pm | €7.50/season pass or bundle
English, Polish | USA, Poland | 90mins | 2024 | Cert: 15A | Dir: Jesse Eisenberg
Mismatched cousins David (Jesse Eisenberg) and Benji (Oscar winner Kieran Culkin) reunite for a tour through Poland to honour their beloved grandmother. The adventure takes a turn when the odd-couple's old tensions resurface against the backdrop of their family history.
43. Nickel Boys
FILM
Wed 23 Jul | 7:30pm | €7.50/season pass or bundle
English | USA | 140mins | 2024 | Cert: 12A | Dir: RaMell Ross
In 1960s Florida, African American teenager Elwood is sent to the Nickel Academy reform school after being falsely accused of car theft. There, he meets and befriends fellow inmate Turner. Together, they dream of freedom as they endure abuses from the school’s cruel officials. This extraordinary adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s novel is boldly told from the first-person perspectives of its two main characters to stunning effect.
44. Vermiglio
FILM
Wed 30 Jul | 7:30pm | €7.50/season pass or bundle
Italian | Italy, France, Belgium | 119mins | 2024 | Cert: 12A | Dir: Maura Delpro
In Vermiglio, a remote mountain village in Italian Alps, World War II looms as a distant but constant threat. The arrival of refugee soldier Pietro into the family of the local schoolmaster, and his love for the schoolmaster’s eldest daughter, changes them forever. During the four seasons marking the end of the war, the world emerges from its tragedy and the family faces its own.
45. Holy Cow
FILM
Wed 6 Aug | 7:30pm | €7.50/season pass or bundle
French | France | 92mins | 2024 | Cert: TBD | Dir: Louise Courvoisier
18-year-old Totone spends most of his time drinking beer and partying with his friends, until one day he suddenly must care for his 7-year-old sister and find a way to make a living. He sets out to make the best Comté cheese in the region in an attempt to win 30,000 euros at a local agricultural competition.
46. Maria
FILM
Wed 13 Aug | 7:30pm | €7.50/season pass or bundle
English, Italian | Italy, Germany, Chile | 123mins | 2024 | Cert: 12A | Dir: Pablo Larraín
From acclaimed director Pablo Larraín (Spencer, Jackie), Maria tells the tumultuous, beautiful, and tragic story of Maria Callas (Angelina Jolie), the world’s greatest female opera singer, relived and reimagined during her final days in 1970s Paris.
To find more information on our regular classes, please visit https://solsticeartscentre.ie/whats-on/regular-classes/
Solstice Arts Centre,
Railway Street,
Navan,
Co.Meath
C15KWP1
