The Lú Festival of Light is set to return to the streets of Drogheda for a third time from October 25th to 28th and October 31s to November 3rd bringing Drogheda to life with audio visual shows depicting the region’s mythological past.
Projections on the town’s historic buildings will tell the legendary stories of the Boyne through visuals and music in a free evening adventure where people can journey through time along the trail and discover the stories of Cú Chulainn, Lú, the Salmon of Knowledge, Boann, The Two Olivers and many more.
This will all take place alongside an array of on-street performances including stilt walkers, face painters and fire breathers, together with cafes, bars and restaurants in the area staying open late to welcome visitors to the town.
The illuminations focus on these magical stories that are rooted in the beautiful Boyne Valley region. Over eight days stunning illuminations will light up Drogheda’s Old Abbey, St Peters Church, St Dominic’s Bridge, and St Laurence’s Gate using the latest digital technology, projection, sound and animation to weave a compelling tale of our mythological and historical past.
Spectacular projections will adorn intricate stonework around Drogheda while illustrating the legendary tales of heroic warriors, mythical creatures, and ethereal landscapes that have woven themselves into the fabric of Drogheda’s history.
This year the shows on the 31st of October will be delivered as Gaelige to coincide with the ‘Caint agus Comhrá’ taking place on the same night. Adding to the success of the sensory hours which were introduced in 2023, these will return for 2024.
Additional events will include Drogheda Classical music together with the Vanburgh Quartet, author Dave Rudden and actor Grainne Rafferty, who will present a special show on the 1st of November in St Peter’s Church of Ireland, as well as a Window Decoration grant by Louth County Council to encourage retail and commercial business’ in Drogheda to dress their premises’ window as part of the Lú Festival of Light Festival.
Drogheda, gateway to the Boyne Valley was one of the first settlements in Ireland’s Ancient East and is home to many of Ireland’s ancient tales. The Boyne River flows through the heart of the town and this year’s festival will again feature a show on St. Dominic’s Bridge.
An initiative of Louth County Council, in partnership with Love Drogheda BIDS, Lú Festival of Light is supported by Fáilte Ireland and is part funded under the Fáilte Ireland Urban Animation Scheme.
Councillor Paddy McQuillan, Mayor of Drogheda said: “Lú Festival of Light is a fantastic festival. It strives to be the biggest Halloween Festival in the Country. All credit to those involved in this great event. Last years attendance surpassed 70,000 visitors and we expect this to be surpassed this year. I invite everyone to come to experience this year’s Festival.”
Thomas McEvoy, Director of Services at Louth County Council, said: “Louth County Council are delighted to host Lú Festival of Light for a third year. The Lú Festival of Light is a unique addition to Drogheda’s Arts and Cultural calendar of events and follows on from several excellent creative attractions in the area including the recently launched Destination Town wayfinding signs. This year’s festival will feature elements of our mythological and historical past which is deeply rooted in the history of the Boyne Valley.”
Trevor Connolly, Love Drogheda BIDs, said: We are looking forward to welcoming back thousands of visitors to our town for the third instalment of the premium Halloween festival in the northeast, Lú Festival of Light. There will be a huge amount on offer over the festival period with a series of events in venues across the town. We hope that there will be a good support for those businesses who are seeking to provide additional entertainment.
Lú Festival of Light, brings our streets and the River Boyne alive with colour, light and a sprinkling of magic and we are encouraging everyone to come into Drogheda and invite friends and family from across Ireland to celebrate! The illustrations dive into The Boyne Valley’s extensive mythological past, bringing to life these fascinating stories for the next generations.”
Lú Festival of Light is free to attend, family friendly and is un-ticketed. For more information on locations and additional events see www.lufestivaloflight.com
While attendees are encouraged to take public transport into Drogheda for the event, parking is available in Bolton Square, Fair Street, Duke Street, Stockwell Street, King Street, Drogheda Port, Donore Road, Scotch Hall, Laurence Centre, Town Centre Shopping Centre, Haymarket Car Park, Trinity Street/Mell.
