Lú Festival to create a theatre of light in Drogheda
Two weekends of mythology, music and storytelling
Opening this Friday 25th October and running over two weekends, the Lú Festival of Light will turn the historic town of Drogheda into an outdoor theatre of mythology, with light installations, animated projections, music and storytellers bringing the legends of the Boyne region to life. Celebrating Ireland as the home of Halloween, and highlighting our mythological past, Lú Festival of Light will bewitch visitors who follow the trail of locations including the spectacular 3d mapped Peter’s Church, the anticipated return of the St. Dominic’s Bridge water screen, the Old Abbey and St. Laurence’s Gate.
New to the festival this year is The Milky Way: an interactive screen installation in Scotch Hall. Based on the myths surrounding the creation of the Milky Way, it responds to visitors' movements, revealing constellations as they approach or gesture. This touch-free experience merges cosmic imagery with ancient lore, offering an immersive journey through the stars.
Check out last year's festival here
The Lú Festival of Light offers a full evening of adventure where people can journey through time along the trail and discover the ancient stories of Cú Chulainn, the God Lú, from whom County Louth gets its Irish name, the legend of the Salmon of Knowledge, Boann, The Two Olivers and many more. Spectacular projections will adorn some of the landmark buildings around Drogheda while illustrating stories that have woven themselves into the fabric of Drogheda's history. 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.
Déan ceiliúradh ar ár dteanga agus ár gcultúr ag 'Lú, Féile an tSolais' Oíche Shamhna 2024. 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. There will be a sensory hour on Monday 28th from 6.30pm to 7.30pm where the sound will be reduced to one third of the volume. (Please note flashing lights will be in operation throughout the light shows).
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. All this as well as events and special offers in Drogheda businesses and venues combine to make a brilliant family visit.
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 Dominick’s Bridge.