Press

TG4 to celebrate their 20th birthday with a special Oíche Shamhna live extravaganza!

21.10.16

TG4XX Beo is a 360º visual feast celebrating Ireland’s rich culture, language, music and dance. All elements in the show will tie in to the main theme – the Passing of the Torch. TG4XX Beo is about old traditions and new directions fusing together – music, dance, songs, guests and conversation representing our culture at it’s very best. TG4XX Beo is a celebration of twenty years of TG4 on air and all it has achieved keeping the flame of Irish culture alight and allowing it to shine brighter and further afield.

Oíche Shamhna provides the backdrop for this magical night with thirty specially created characters, created by Billy Mag Fhloinn, taking centre stage for an evening of extraordinary festivities. TG4XX Beo will take place in venues all over the country, from the main central purpose built pavilion at the NUIG Quad in the heart of Galway city, from the home of TG4 in Baile na hAbhann in the Connemara Gaeltacht as well as two satellite units, one at the western tip of the Dingle Peninsula in west Kerry Gaeltacht at the legendary Páidí Ó Sé pub and the second in Donegal at Ionad Cois Locha, Gweedore.

The very special guest at the Quad in NUIG will be Uachtarán na hÉireann, Michael D Higgins who will give a live address during the programme. His presence is of particular significance, given that one of his most praised achievements as Arts Minister in the 1990s was the establishment of Teilifís na Gaeilge, now TG4. He is held in particular affection for that. A very special welcome will surely be extended to him.

TG4XX Beo will feature many bespoke performances and arrangements over this extraordinary two hours show including: HotHouse Flowers, Máirtín O’Connor and the Big Band, Prodijig, Duke Special & Ulaid, Imlé with Maitiú Ó Casaide, Nell Ní Chróinín & Séamus Ó Beaglaoích, Aeons agus Muireann Nic Amhlaobh & Seamus Barra Ó Súilleabháin, Pólca 4, Kormac & Daithi, Liam Ó Maonlaí and a specially curated performance with choirs from various Gaeltacht communities plus many more.

Speaking about this unique event, Executive Director/Producer, Paul McKay Gifted Empire Productions said “TG4XX Beo will bring together some of the very best talent this country has to offer and we hope to light a flame that lasts for the next twenty years.”

Newly appointed TG4 Director General, Alan Esslemont is very much looking forward to the event. “Oíche Shamhna has always been a special date in the Celtic imagination,” he said “ and this spectacular event will mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the TG4 story”.