Lú Festival of Light will illuminate Drogheda for two weekends this autumn.
The dazzling display will light up the historic buildings of Drogheda Town with a magical mix of lights, color and sound to illustrate the myths and legends from Ireland’s mythological past.
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 and projections 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.
An amazing display of urban animation, Lú Festival of Light, Drogheda is free to attend and will run over two long weekends, October 27-31 and November 2-4.
“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," said Colin Hindle, Festival Officer at Fáilte Ireland.
"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.”
The spectacular visuals will be accompanied with audio narration written by Irish company Visual Spectrum together with Anthony Murphy of Mythical Ireland.
The animation and live score have been designed 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 festival will also host an array of on-street performances including stilt walkers, face painters and fire breathers.
Cafes, bars and restaurants in the area will be open late for festival-goers who wish to grab a bite to eat, and there will be a family fun area with a Viking Encampment at the Old Abbey car park.
The festival is an initiative of Louth County Council in partnership with Love Drogheda BIDS and is supported by Fáilte Ireland and is part funded under the Fáilte Ireland Urban Animation Scheme.
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
LOCATION: St DOMINIC’S BRIDGE
STORIES: BOANN , SALMON OF KNOWLEDGE , MATTA
A spectacular new water screen projection installation will grace the magnificent St. Dominic's Bridge. This groundbreaking artwork will combine the fluidity of water with the enchanting narratives of Drogheda's Irish mythical stories, creating a spellbinding fusion of nature and folklore. Prepare to be captivated by this harmonious marriage of water and light, as St. Dominic's Bridge becomes a gateway to a world of legends and wonders that will leave you in awe of the power of storytelling.
LOCATION: ST PETER'S CHURCH
STORY: THE HISTORY OF St PETERS CHURCH & VIKINGS
Prepare to be transported through time and mythology with an exhilarating projection of new stories for 2023. This mapped installation will grace the historic St. Peter's Church, located in the heart of Drogheda. This immersive experience will celebrate the heritage of Drogheda and invites visitors to embark on a journey where the past and mythical realms converge, leaving them spellbound and in awe of the timeless magic that resides within the Town walls.
LOCATION: OLD ABBEY
STORY: THE GODS OF NEWGRANGE
The Old Abbey has an exhilarating new projection installation for 2023. The innovative artwork will transform the bell tower into a towering canvas, where vivid projections bring to life the tales of ancient gods, legendary heroes, and mystical creatures that have graced the folklore of Drogheda for centuries. As night falls, the bell tower will become a portal to another world, where stunning visuals will dance across its surface, immersing spectators in a realm of magic and wonder.
LOCATION: FORMER METHODIST CHURCH, ST LAURENCE’S STREET
SHOW: LIGHT INSTALLATION
STORY: RIVER CONNECTION TO MYTHS
Waves will be a mesmerising and enchanting kinetic light installation, inspired by the legendary River Boyne and its rich Irish mythical tales. This innovative artwork combines the ethereal beauty of light with the captivating narratives of ancient folklore, immersing spectators in a truly unique experience. Under cover of darkness, the installation will come to life, illuminating the space with a dazzling array of vibrant colors and dynamic patterns. This awe-inspiring creation will celebrate Ireland's rich cultural heritage and offer a captivating contemporary interpretation that will mesmerize audiences of all ages.
LOCATION: ST LAURENCES GATE
STORY: AMERGIN
An extraordinary new projection installation for 2023 will embrace the captivating Irish mythical stories and be brought to life upon the iconic Laurence's Gate in Drogheda. With cutting-edge artwork, this ancient monument will transform into a storytelling canvas. As dusk descends Laurence's Gate will emerge as a gateway to a realm of enchantment and folklore. The projections seamlessly blend with the gate's architectural details, creating a breathtaking fusion of past and present, myth and reality. Visitors will be transported into a world of wonder, where the boundaries between imagination and the tangible blur, and where the rich tapestry of Irish mythology unfurls before their eyes.
*Lú Festival of Light is free to attend, family-friendly and is un-ticketed.
For more information, visit www.lufestivaloflight.com.
Comments