Lú Festival of Light
to illuminate Drogheda this Autumn
27-31 October & 2-4 November
www.lufestivaloflight.com

Be bewitched in Drogheda this Halloween with Lú Festival of Light. The dazzling light display will illuminatethe historic buildings of Drogheda Town featuring a magical mix of lights, colour and sound to illustrate the myths and legends from Ireland’s mythological past.

An amazing display of urban animation, Lú Festival of Light, Drogheda is free to attend and will run over two long weekends, 27th – 31st of October and 2nd – 4th of November. Lú Festival of Light is an initiative of Louth County Council in partnership with Love Drogheda BIDS.The project is supported by Fáilte Ireland and is part funded under the Fáilte Ireland Urban Animation Scheme.

Journey through time along the trail and discover the stories of Boann, the Salmon of Knowledge, Amergin, the Gods of Newgrange and many more. 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, the former Methodist Church garden and St Laurence’s Gate using the latest digital technology, projection, sound and animation to weave a compelling tale of our mythological 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.

Colin Hindle, Festival Officer at Fáilte Ireland said: “Lú Festival of Light is an exciting addition to the visitor offering in Drogheda and adds another unique experience for visitors to enjoy in Ireland’s Ancient East. This is the second year of the festival which uses spectacular light animations, part funded under Fáilte Ireland’s Urban Animation Scheme, to tell the many myths and legends associated with the region, tying into the ancient theme of the area. I would like to congratulate Louth County Council and Love Drogheda on their continued development of this festival, which truly shines a light on the many visitor attractions Drogheda has to offer.”

Thomas McEvoy, Director of Services, Louth County Council added: “Louth County Council are delighted to host Lú Festival of Light for a second year. The Lú Festival of Light is an 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 installed Destination Town wayfinding signs and the DRAWDA urban art trail. This year’s festival will feature elements of our mythological and historical past which is deeply rooted in the history of the Boyne Valley.”

Cllr Eileen Tully, Mayor of Drogheda said: “I am absolutely thrilled to announce the second year of the Lú Festival of Light. As the evenings draw in, this amazing urban animation project will proudly light up Drogheda again in celebration of Louth’s role in our renowned mythological heritage. In doing so, it will attract visitors to the town bringing a boost in business to local shops, restaurants, and hotels in the area. Lú Festival of Light has it all, five amazing light shows together with on street entertainment and we look forward to welcoming visitors, young and old, to our town.”

Trevor Connolly, Love Drogheda BIDs, said: “Love Drogheda BIDs are delighted to be part of bringing this innovative event to Drogheda. Our streets and waterways will be alive with colour, light and a sprinkling of magic and we invite everyone to come into Drogheda to celebrate! The illustrations dive into The Boyne Valley’s extensive mythological past, bringing to life these fascinating stories for the next generations.”

Audiences will be able to explore the mythological past with audio narration to accompany the spectacularvisuals. The scripts were written by Irish company Visual Spectrum together with Anthony Murphy of MythicalIreland. The animation and live score have beendesigned and created by Visual Spectrum using cutting edge technology to digitally map the buildings and create an audio-visual spectacular to wow the senses. The experience will bring a touch of Halloween magic to the streets of Drogheda.

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 willalso feature a show on one of the bridges.

The festival will host an array of on- street performancesincluding stilt walkers, face painters and fire breathers, together with cafes, bars and restaurants in the area staying open late. There will also be a family fun area with a Viking Encampment at the Old Abbey carpark.

EVENT DETAILS

There will be four shows per hour in each location. Watch out for the countdown clocks!

Friday 27th October - 7PM - 9.30PM
Saturday 28th October - 7PM - 9.30PM
Sunday 29th October 6.30PM - 9.30PM
Monday 30th October 6.30PM - 9.30PM
Tuesday 31st October 6.30PM-9.30PM
*Wednesday 1st November NO SHOW*
Thursday 2nd November - 6.30PM - 9.30PM
Friday 3rd November - 6.30PM - 9.30PM
Saturday 4th November - 6.30PM - 9.30PM