The Hollywood actor who directed, produced and starred in the film 'Braveheart' will be returning to Ireland to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the film. The star is expected to attend the King John’s Summer Prom Festival in Trim next week.
'Braveheart' was set in medieval Scotland, however the film was actually mostly shot in Ireland, counties such as Kildare, Meath and Wicklow can all be seen providing the landscapes in the film. Tax incentives and the involvement of Defence Forces personnel as extras were key when Gibson was considering the best location to film.
Gibson sealed the deal after speaking to Irish producer Morgan O'Sullivan and then Minister for the Arts, Michael D Higgins in 1994. Soon after he announced that the film was originally supposed to be filmed in Scotland but would instead be mostly shot in Ireland.
'Braveheart' went on to achieve huge success as it was nominated in ten different categories at the 68th Academy Awards, taking home five awards including the best picture. The American actor will be returning to Ireland and will be signing posters at Trim Castle Hotel on the Saturday morning, 9th of August, with all proceeds going to Irish Equity Benevolent Fund, which provides emergency assistance to people in financial difficulty.
Gibson will also be attending a number of concerts and screenings of the film on Saturday night, along with many other cast members of 'Braveheart'. Their visits form part of the King John Summer Prom Festival, with organisers promising a "cinematic soundscapes, soaring vocals and symphonic wonder". There is reportedly almost 300 performers from home and abroad that will be performing at the event. Those behind the event have said that the weekend is expected to be the "largest orchestral festival on the island of Ireland".
