Excitement building for the upcoming Longford Lights festival

Like the fizzing fuse of a firework the artists crafting the displays that will make up the Longford Lights Festival are furiously finalising their creations.

From Thursday thousands of visitors are expected to descend on Connolly Barracks for Ireland’s largest community-based light and arts festival.

The centuries of colourful history of the former military quarters have had a fascinating footnote in the last three years as Longford has established a reputation as a centre for family friendly gatherings.

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Charged with drawing together the strands that will complete the tapestry of Longford Lights Festival 2025 is Artistic Director Caroline Conway: “Longford Lights is different from other festivals in the way that the local community is the foundation of the whole project.

“Working together with both international and local artists, this year’s festival promises to be more interactive for audiences and we can’t wait for you to see it.”

The main festival campus at Connolly Barracks allows visitors to experience an illuminated journey and be entertained by larger-than-life art installations, many with interactive and performance elements.

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One such new spectacle performance piece is Metamorphosis, which will take place at 30-minute intervals on the square in front of Connolly Barracks.

Display boards will be dotted throughout the festival and share information on the artists and the installations with the viewer.

This year’s festival will now also light up Bridge Street and Lower Main Street, and St John’s Hall will host Lúminaria, a family show by festival partners, Backstage Theatre.

Audiences will be entertained by 30 different art installations, giant puppets, fire dancers, opera singing, gigantic video projections and a brass ensemble. Alongside the vibrant and lively atmosphere, there will also be the calming and beautiful lantern installations that Longford Lights festival goers have come to know and love.

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Longford Lights aims to be a sensory-friendly experience with ambient low-level soundscapes throughout. The Metamorphosis performance will be louder, however, this can easily be avoided at the venue.

Longford Lights 2024 is led by Longford County Council and its Arts Office, in partnership with Mide Arts Group. It is supported by the Arts Council and Creative Ireland, as well as Longford Tourism and Longford Night Time Economy, both part of Longford County Council.

Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Mark Casey spoke of the significance of the event: “It's great for the local area, local communities and local businesses. I am looking forward to the fantastic atmosphere around town.”

Longford County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon added: “It's great for the Council to be able to work with the local community, local artists and all other Longford Lights stakeholders to put on this excellent festival.

Longford Lights tickets into the main festival site at Connolly Barracks are available on LongfordLights.ie. Entry times are at 6.30pm, 7.30pm and 8.30pm. Once in, you can stay as long as you wish. When you arrive, you should present your tickets on your phone.

Information on disabled car parking spaces and wheelchair facilities, are available on LongfordLights.ie under the Plan your Visit section. When you arrive, follow the directions of event stewards and Gardaí on site.

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One ticket required per person. Family tickets (two adults and two children) are €20, adult tickets €8, and children’s tickets are €4 each. Under 3s are free. Tickets to Lúminaria are available on Backstage.ie, with this show taking place on Friday, 21 February and Saturday, 22 February at 5:30pm and 8pm.