On Tuesday 13th April Dublin City will celebrate the music and history of George Frederick Handel as it was in 18th century Dublin. From 10am until 12 mid-night people will enjoy a host of activities for people to participate in and enjoy. Most importantly to note, these activities are FREE… For further details on ‘In Handle’s Day’ please read on…

In Handel’s Day takes place in the cultural quarter of Dublin’s Temple Bar. The aim of the festival is to celebrate Handel through a day-long programme of events suitable for all ages.

George Frederic Handel was a German-born musical genius and composer who spent most of his life in London. Over the years George became known for his work and it was not long before he was recognised by many composers, which included: Mozart, Beethoven and Haydn to name a few!

On 13 April 1742, Handel, accompanied with 5 men and 26 boys from the choirs of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral and Christchurch Cathedral, first performed ”The Messiah” in New Musick Hall, located in Fishamble Street in Dublin’s Temple Bar district. Messiah was Handel’s most famous oratorio and was based on the Birth, Passion and Aftermath of the life of Jesus Christ.

In 2009 Dublin celebrated the 250th anniversary of Handel’s death with a festival that proved to be a huge success and this year’s ‘In Handel’s Day’ festival promises more of the same. Here is just a selection of some events taking place on 13th April in Dublin’s Temple Bar:

10am - Handel & Dublin in 1742 - Talk: By Professor Barra Boydell. New Theatre, 43 East Essex Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2. Free - No booking required.

11am - Let’s Walk & Talk: Historical Walking Tour: With Pat Liddy. Meeting Point: Wolfe Tone Park, Mary Street, Dublin 1. Free - No booking required.

12pm - Handel & Dublin in 1742 - Walk: With Professor Barra Boydell. Meeting Point: Meeting House Square, Temple Bar, Dublin 2. Free - Booking required.

1pm - Messiah on the Street - Performed by Our Lady’s Choral Society with guest soloist Ross Canlon. Conducted by Proinnsías Ó Duinn with live music from the National Sinfonia Orchestra. Fishamble Street, Old City Temple Bar, Dublin 8. Free - No booking required.

4pm & 6 pm - Ye Lord Mayor’s Delight - Find out more about Handel and hear music from this collection performed live at this event - St Audoen’s Church, Cornmarket, Dublin 8. Free - Tickets required.

9pm - Movie on the Square: By Barry Lyndon - Meeting House Square, Temple Bar, Dublin 2. Free - No booking required

Please note: There are many other events taking place to celebrate ‘In Handle’s Day’ including traditional Irish music, dance workshops and much more. For further details please download In Handle’s Day Programme of Events.

How to book: All events are free of charge but some events require advance booking. Places are limited so early booking is advised. You can book your place by: E-mail: info@templebar.ie. Phone: +353 (0) 1 677 2255 - Lines open Mon to Fri 9am - 5.30pm (closed from 1-2.15pm). In person: Temple Bar Cultural Trust, 12 East Essex Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2. Open Monday to Friday 9am - 5.30pm (closed from 1-2.15pm).

Mark 13th April in your calendar and come and enjoy this day-long celebration in Dublin full of music and history as it was ”In Handle’s Day”. If you have more time why not indulge yourself in this wonderful city and explore Dublin’s many streets broad and narrow only waiting to be discovered.

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