Making light work of Longford's artistic talent pool

Work on one of the county's most impressive artistic gatherings, Longford Lights 2025, has begun and excitement is already building.
The assemblage is a wondrous celebration of light in a fun-filled art and performance experience for all the family. The light and lantern installations created by a collective of artists and community groups are only part of the magical experience.

Longford County Council and Mide Arts Group have announced the appointment of the artistic team that will coordinate the creation of Longford Lights 2025. The festival returns to Longford Town and is extended across four days from Thursday, February 20 to Sunday, February 23.

Caroline Conway returns to the helm as artistic director for the 2025 festival. Caroline, who comes from Birr, Offaly was the artistic director for the 2024 festival which saw over 11,000 people come to Longford.
Speaking on the announcement of her reappointment as artistic director, Caroline said: “I love working in Longford. There is such a great energy and enthusiasm here. The artists and community groups are really interested in getting involved – I think it is what makes Longford Lights so special.”
As the festival is increasing the scope and ambition, while the artistic team behind the festival is similarly increasing as Tommy Casby becomes assistant artistic director.

A lead artist in Macnas, Galway’s internationally renowned spectacle theatre company, Tommy has over 20 years of experience and will be an asset to Longford Lights 2025.
Tommy design artworks, as well as mentor local artists, makers and volunteers who will be helping to bring the festival to life.
The new assistant artistic director spoke of his love of working in Longford: “There's a wealth of untapped talent in County Longford. There is also a growing number of local artists that are well on their way to becoming talented spectacle and street artists.

“What they produced for the Halloween Dead of Night festival in October just gone was amazing. I can’t wait to see what they design for Longford Lights 2025,” Tommy said.
The artistic team’s third member is artist and director Ana Ortega. Ana hails from Bilbao in Spain and is co-creator of Cal y Canto Teatro who specialise in street theatre. People will remember Caly Canto from the 2024 festival as their performances filled with kites and dance drew in the crowds.

Speaking ahead of the festival Ana referenced the resemblance between her home and where she takes up her new role: “I live in a small town outside Bilbao, similar to Longford. It’s wonderful to see such ambitious imaginative work taking place outside big cities. Last year the people of Longford were so friendly and welcoming to us.
“This year we come back to develop a new piece for the festival with many Irish artists and with Caroline. It is going to be.... How do you say in Longford? Class...it’s going to be class!”

Looking forward to the festival, Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Mark Casey articulated the importance of the event: “It is great to welcome back Caroline and be in a position to now have Tommy and Ana join her in creating a larger team to make something that will live up to the ambitions of the festival. I know this work is in their capable hands.

“It's great to see Longford Lights attracting such nationally and internationally recognised artists to Longford to share their experience and talent.”
Longford County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon added: “The appointment of the 2025 Longford Lights artistic team is great to see as planning is progressing.

“Our local community groups, schools and local artistic will benefit greatly from working with Caroline and her team.
“The Council is proud to support this festival and we cannot wait to see their creations in February.”
The newly appointed Longford Lights 2025 artistic team are busy preparing the festival and contacting local community groups and schools interested in getting involved.

For those interested in finding out more about the festival or booking tickets visit LongfordLights.ie.