Photos: Jenny Callanan
Ghosts, ghouls and one particularly gruesome giant took over the streets of Drogheda on Friday evening as the Drogheda Credit Union Spooks Parade launched the 2026 Lú Festival of Light.
This year’s parade, titled ‘Temperature Rising’, brought together local schools, community groups, musicians and artists for a celebration inspired by Samhain and the darker nights of the year.
Among the standout characters was the oversized figure ‘Ozzy the Heartless’, described as a spirit taker, who made his way along the route pointing his bony fingers towards spectators.
Local schools and groups take part
Young people from across Drogheda spent September and October creating costumes and props and rehearsing choreography ahead of the parade.
Participating schools included Gaelscoil an Bhradáin Feasa, Aston Village ETNS and St Joseph’s NS.
They were joined by community groups including Emerald Baton Twirlers, Drogheda Special Olympics and Droichead Youth Theatre.
Children and families were also invited to join in at the back of the parade as it made its way through the town.
Live music and local artists
Live music was provided by performers from across County Louth, including the Brian Murphy brass collective, Kieran McDonald and Martin Shields.
The parade was produced by Droichead Arts Centre under the artistic direction of Kieran Gallagher of KadaKaBoomArts.com.
Artists Breda Marron, Vivienne Byrne, Darrin Finnegan and Yvonne Dowd Gardiner also worked on the event, alongside choreographer Tracy Martin.
The Drogheda Credit Union Spooks Parade was funded by the Arts Council, Creative Ireland Louth, Drogheda Credit Union and Louth County Council.
