It’s said that the best things come in small packages and that certainly applies to the programme of events for the 2023 Drogheda Arts Festival “Small but Mighty” which takes place over the weekend of April 29 and 30.

Among the gems in this package are the legendary Mary Coughlan, Scottish novelist and playwright Irvine Welsh of Trainspotting fame and street artists galore.

Taking place over two days, the festival will feature national and international artists and bring free family entertainment to the streets, making community the centre of its focus.

As always, the festival champions musicians, performers and creatives with two nights featuring amazing musical artists, and a Saturday line up of free family fun and entertainment, delivering something for all ages.

Saturday 29^th April

Kicking the festival off on Saturday 29^th April are The Trinitones (pictured below), an all-male cappella group founded in Trinity College Dublin in 2012 have been touring the world since they exploded on TikTok, wowing crowds with their take on covers of hit songs.

Their high energy performances can be enjoyed on Saturday at 1.30pm – 2pm outside St. Peter’s Church on West Street, and at 4pm – 4.30pm outside Scotch Hall.

The thrill of street artists has long been a key part of the Drogheda Arts Festival, and this year crowds will again be entertained by free, exciting and visually stunning performances on Saturday afternoon, complementing the incredible atmospheric sounds of the Trinitones.

Tumble Circus, the exciting award-winning Belfast Circus Company will showcase their world class circus skills to delight and amaze, with acrobats, jugglers and comedy acts for all ages to enjoy.   

Also, entertaining children is the wonderfully creative Poppy from Bee-ology the interactive circus. Poppy will be delighting the crowds with juggling and bubble making on her mission to inspire everyone to look after our bees.

The day’s events will close with a performance from internationally acclaimed Dundalk artist David Keenan at the Droichead Arts Centre.  Back on the road and kicking off the Irish leg of his tour at the Drogheda Arts Festival, poetic singer- songwriter David will entertain with his honest, raw performance.  Doors open at 6pm.

Sunday 30^th April

Another not to be missed event, External Sounds will host a conversation with Scottish novelist and playwright Irvine Welsh at the Highlanes Gallery.  Welsh is best known for his 1993 book, Trainspotting. In this thought provoking, stimulating session Welsh will discuss his inspirations, his early years and where he is now.  The event begins at 5.30pm.

Welsh is also a talented DJ and dance music enthusiast and will switch gears and perform his intimate DJ set at the Living Room in Sarsfield's Bar on the Chord Road at 9.30pm.  Withg his own record label, Welsh has been involved in dance music for most of his life, as a DJ and promoter. He is set to get the dance floor jumping with his own unique blend of acid house.

Closing the festival line up on Sunday night, the legendary Mary Coughlan, Ireland’s most celebrated blues and jazz musician. will bring her incredibly soulful songs to Gerrard’s Church on Mary’s Street in what promises to be a mesmerising evening.

Following her Australia tour, Mary will take to the stage at 8pm, singing songs from her highly anticipated new album ‘Life Stories’, amongst many more.

In addition to the entertaining line up of performances, audiences can explore the visually stunning work of spray paint artist Black Dove throughout the two day festival.  Black Dove’s work, inspired by powerful females will be exhibited through the streets of the town, creating a visually stunning backdrop to the Small but Mighty festival.

Drogheda Arts Festival acknowledges the support of its principal funding agencies, The Arts Council and Louth County Council, and the support from We Print, Scotch Hall and the D Hotel.

Full programme details can be found here: www.droghedaartsfestival.ie   

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