DUBLIN’S NEW YEAR Festival kicks off today, albeit to a damp start as Storm Frank passes over Ireland.

The three-day event promotes Irish music, culture, and live entertainment across the city.

Now in its second year after being rebranded from NYE Dublin and expanded, the event makes the notable change this year of moving the countdown concert on Thursday night indoors to the 3 Arena.

Previously this was held outdoors on College Green in the centre of the city, leaving attendees exposed to winter weather.

The Coronas and Fatboy Slim headline this event, along with trad group Kila, singer-songwriter Ryan Sheridan, and Donegal band Little Hours.

For those willing to step outside, there’s a street festival taking place on St Stephen’s Green south from 9 to 12pm.

Other events taking place include:

• The NYF Music Trail will see fifteen venues across the city host live music, starting at 11am today at the GPO.
• The Spoken Word Festival, featuring poetry slams and panel-style speaking events.
• The Luminosity light displays, previously projected on to Trinity College Dublin, have been moved to Iveagh House on St Stephen’s Green. This will run each night from 5pm.
• There will be a world record attempt for the world’s largest bodhrán session from 6.30pm on Stephen Green’s North.
• Specially selected taxi drivers will be driving around the city in designated cars offering a taste of their trade’s knack for storytelling. Videos of these stories will be shown at the NYF Street Festival.
• For kids there’s a storytelling and art workshop running from midday on Friday.
• Also on the 1st will be a series of Ted-style talks on mental health.
• Full details of all events are available online here.

Is there a unique event happening in your area? Email tips@thejournal.ie.

Read: There’ll be extra security on New Year’s Eve trains >

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