Free screening of cult 1980s classic is part of mayor's plan for August in Limerick

A FREE screening of cult 1980s film classic Ferris Bueller's Day Off is one of the events taking place in Limerick as part of a month-long festival designed to "activate" the city centre.

This Friday night from 8pm, the People's Museum of Limerick at Pery Square will host the watch party, while there will be screenings of other films - also without charge - later in the month.

Elsewhere, the area around Limerick's Daniel O'Connell monument is to host a 'Festival in a Van' between 2pm and 6pm on Sunday, August 18.

The area atop the city's main thoroughfare has been closed off to motor traffic for four weeks.

READ MORE: Decision made on social housing plan at Limerick's riverside

As part of Festival in a Van, Abe Soare, JaYne, Katio Rodrigues and Rodrigo Hoerlle will all be taking to the stage.

Wickham Way and the Watch House Cross library at Moyross will also host free film watch parties this month.

It comes as Mayor John Moran urges people to make use of some of Limerick's city spaces for free.

Through a dedicated fund, the mayor is covering the cost of road closures of designated streets and says he is willing to work with covering some out-of-pocket overheads to facilitate participation by as many groups as possible.

Meanwhile, after its initial clean up, the area between City Hall and King John’s Castle will also accommodate the public who want to enjoy one of the best city views over the river Shannon.

The first citizen has put a call out to groups interested in showcasing their dancing or music talents, organising chess, other competitions, training or booking space for local picnics or get togethers to make contact with council.

They are asked to email festivalandevents@limerick.ie indicating the spacethey would like to consider using and dates and times and likely participating numbers.

On top of this, Mayor Moran is offering up to €2,000 to cover out-of-pocket costs incurred by arts groups, which will include modest fees for performers and supervisors.

These will be offered on a first come first basis to applications which in the views of the selection committee meet the objectives of the initiative.

"Limerick’s energy is contagious, and this month we want to capture the essence of our city and county. From the arts to adventure, Limerick offers something truly special. Come and feel it for yourself. I have long believed that if we offer our public realm for other uses, that people will respond and the streets will come alive in different and more fun ways," Mayor Moran said.

"The officials of Limerick City and County Council have moved mountains very quickly for me to make this possible. I want to thank them for doing their part. I really hope now that the local residents and businesses of Limerick city will respond and join with me in supporting this trial over what should otherwise be a quiet month for our city centre," he added.

As the events are confirmed for the month of August, they will appear here.