Drogheda’s streets will be transformed by light, sound and Irish mythology this weekend as the Lú Festival of Light returns for its fifth year.
Running from tonight to Monday, 26th October, the free family-friendly festival will feature large-scale projections across some of Drogheda’s best-known heritage buildings, alongside street entertainment, live music, and a wider programme of events around the town.
This year’s theme draws on the Celtic Calendar, the changing seasons and the traditions of harvest and Samhain.
Stories featured throughout the festival include Lugh’s battle with Balor, the Dagda and his Cauldron of Plenty, and Brigid, with each brought to life through animated projections, music and sound.
Spooks Parade opens the festival
The festival gets underway this evening at approximately 6.15pm with the Drogheda Credit Union Spooks Parade.
Produced by Droichead Arts Centre and sponsored by Drogheda Credit Union, the parade will bring music, colour and performance through the town as darkness falls.
Street entertainment across the weekend will also include fire performers, live music and colourful performers throughout the town centre.
Drogheda landmarks become storytelling canvases
St Peter’s Church on West Street will become one of the main projection locations, with an autumn-inspired display featuring vines and embers that move through the themes of harvest and Samhain.
The Old Abbey will tell the story of Lugh and Balor, exploring the battle between light and dark and the changing of the seasons.
St Laurence’s Gate will feature the stories of the Dagda and Brigid.
Additional festival experiences will also take place at the Methodist Church, Highlanes Gallery and Scotch Hall Shopping Centre.
Young visitors will again have an opportunity to become part of the festival through a colouring competition, with selected artwork projected onto St Peter’s Church between shows.
Wider programme across Drogheda
The Cottage Market returns to the Dominican Church on Dominic Street, bringing together local makers, crafters and artisan food traders.
A wider programme of events will also run across the area, including 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 feature strongly across the weekend, with a Drogheda Classical Music concert at Droichead Arts Centre, Night Moves Night Café at the Coffee Box, gigs at McHugh’s and Clarke’s Bar with Drogheda Groove Movement, and External Sounds at Sarsfields featuring a DJ set from Massive Attack’s Daddy G.
Mayor of the Borough District of Drogheda, Cllr Declan Power, said the festival had become an important part of Drogheda’s cultural calendar.
“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.
“It is wonderful to see our historic landmarks transformed through light and storytelling, bringing ancient legends to life in the heart of our town.”
Fifth year for Lú
Louth County Council Chief Executive David Conway said the festival provides an opportunity to celebrate the area’s mythology and heritage while also attracting visitors to Drogheda.
“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.
Trevor Connolly, Chief Executive of Love Drogheda BID, said reaching the fifth year was an important milestone for the event.
“Lú is about seeing Drogheda in a whole new light with our theme of the Celtic Calendar and the aspects of ancient Ireland.
“For four nights, our historic buildings become the canvas, and our streets fill with families, music and entertainment.”
He encouraged visitors to come into Drogheda early, explore the town and support local businesses before the projections begin.
Visual Spectrum is leading the festival’s technical and creative production.
Ryan Vail of Visual Spectrum said the team had worked to balance 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.”
Lú Festival of Light is sponsored by Louth County Council as main sponsor and produced by Love Drogheda BID.
The festival is 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, maps, travel information and road closure details are available at www.lufestivaloflight.com.
