Picture: Leon Farrell / Photocall
Lú Festival of Light Drogheda returns for four nights from Friday, 23rd October, bringing large-scale projections, ancient Irish legends and family entertainment to the town centre.
Drogheda’s streets and historic landmarks will be transformed by light, sound and ancient Irish legends when the Lú Festival of Light returns for its fifth year this October.
The free, family-friendly festival will run from Friday, 23rd October to Monday, 26th October, with large-scale projections across some of Drogheda’s best-known buildings alongside street entertainment, live music and family activities.
This year’s programme is inspired by the Celtic Calendar, the changing seasons and the traditions of harvest and Samhain.
Stories being brought to life include Lugh’s battle with Balor, the Dagda and his Cauldron of Plenty, and Brigid, whose story connects ancient Irish mythology with traditions that continue today.
Spooks Parade to open the festival
The festival will begin at approximately 6.15pm on Friday, 23rd October as darkness falls, with the Drogheda Credit Union Spooks Parade.
Produced by Droichead Arts Centre and sponsored by Drogheda Credit Union, the community parade will bring music, colour and light through the town as the four-night festival gets under way.
Fire performers, live music and street entertainers will also feature throughout the weekend.
Local businesses, community groups and creative organisations are getting involved with their own events, including clay workshops, live music, escape rooms and pumpkin experiences.
Historic buildings brought to life
St Peter’s Church on West Street will become an autumnal gateway, with projections showing vines and embers climbing the building before moving through Harvest and into Samhain.
At the Old Abbey, the projections will tell the story of Lugh and Balor and explore the changing of the seasons through the battle between light and dark.
St Laurence’s Gate will feature the stories of the Dagda and Brigid.
Additional festival experiences are planned for the Methodist Church, Highlanes Gallery and Scotch Hall Shopping Centre.
The Cottage Market will also return to the Dominican Church on Dominic Street, with local crafters, makers and artisan food traders taking part.
Children will once again have the opportunity to see their own artwork become part of the festival through a colouring competition, with selected pieces projected onto St Peter’s Church between shows.
Wider programme across Drogheda and the Boyne Valley
A wider programme will run alongside the main light installations.
Activities include pumpkin experiences at Funtasia and Mallymad Farm, Legends in Clay workshops, themed events at Drogheda Escape Rooms and a Traitors-themed afternoon tea at Slane Castle.
Music will also form a major part of the programme, including a Drogheda Classical Music concert at Droichead Arts Centre and Night Moves Night Cafe at the Coffee Box.
Drogheda Groove Movement will perform at McHugh’s and Clarke’s Bar, while External Sounds at Sarsfields will feature a DJ set from Massive Attack’s Daddy G.
‘One of the highlights of Drogheda’s cultural calendar’
Mayor of the Borough District of Drogheda Cllr Declan Power said the festival had become an important event for the town.
“The Lú Festival of Light has become one of the highlights of Drogheda’s cultural calendar, drawing families, visitors and our local community together in a truly unique celebration of heritage and creativity,” he said.
“It is wonderful to see our historic landmarks transformed through light and storytelling, bringing ancient legends to life in the heart of our town.”
Louth County Council Chief Executive David Conway said the festival provides a way of celebrating the area’s history while also attracting visitors.
“Our county is deeply rooted in myth, legend, and history, and this festival provides an incredible platform to capture and celebrate those ancient stories,” he said.
“By bringing our rich heritage to life in such an engaging way, the festival not only instils a sense of local pride but also serves as a vital driver for tourism.”
Fifth year for Lú
Trevor Connolly, Chief Executive of Love Drogheda BID, said reaching the festival’s fifth year was an important milestone.
“Lú is about seeing Drogheda in a whole new light with our theme of the Celtic Calendar and the aspects of ancient Ireland,” he said.
“For four nights, our historic buildings become the canvas, and our streets fill with families, music and entertainment.”
He encouraged visitors to arrive early, explore the town and support local businesses before the projections begin.
Visual Spectrum is leading the technical and creative production for the festival.
Ryan Vail of Visual Spectrum said the challenge was to combine projection technology with the historic character of Drogheda’s buildings.
“Our goal is to transform these stone structures into dynamic storytellers, crafting bespoke visuals and soundscapes that honour the Celtic mythology while delivering a compelling spectacle for audiences of all ages,” he said.
Lú Festival of Light is sponsored by Louth County Council and produced by Love Drogheda BID. It forms part of Fáilte Ireland’s Home of Halloween programme, with additional financial support from Fáilte Ireland, local Drogheda councillors and Love Drogheda BID.
Full showtimes, festival maps, travel information, and road closure notices are available at lufestivaloflight.com.
