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This year’s festival opening parade promises to be a vibrant celebration of creativity and
community, filled with new and exciting visual delights. Our very popular parade is back,
showcasing the artistic expression joy of our community like never before.
This year, we are proud to feature an extraordinary collaboration that brings together various
local talents and organisations. The parade will feature innovative puppet designs by artist, Orla Clougher. They will be brought to life by the Boyle Foróige Youth Hub, the rhythmic beats guided by percussion instructor Peter Crann, the dynamic movements of Victoria Walker Dance, and the vibrant costumes from designer Carol Daly. Additionally, various sports groups will add their spirited displays to the mix, ensuring there’s something mesmerising for everyone.
The procession will commence at the Crescent, making its journey down Bridge Street and Main Street, ending at King House. We eagerly anticipate the streets will be lined with community members, all gathered to witness and participate in this magical event. This parade is not just a display; it’s an invitation to be part of something truly special.
Come and be part of our celebration of creativity and community and make this festival
the most memorable one yet! Fill the streets with colour, joy, and artistic expression! Whether
you’re a participant or a spectator, this will be a magical event for everyone involved.
We would also love you to join the 4-day Parade Workshops in preparation of the Boyle Arts Parade, which take place in the days coming up to Opening Day and are open to children and adults.
Dates for the parade workshops are July 15th to July 18th and can be booked through this website at the links below. They include:
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Orla Clogher is a visual artist, designer, and theatre maker. Her career spans theatre, spectacle, film, community arts and education. She’s designed costumes, masks, puppets, sets, site specific and immersive installations.
Some recent collaborations include ‘Birdboy’ for United Fall and Emma Martin (currently touring), Grand Soft Day, an international Co-production of Branar and NIE, and various productions with Brú Theatre.
Orla was part of the core artistic team of Macnas for many years. She devised, designed, and creatively directed parades for the company in 2016 and 2017 and was Co-parade designer in 2018. Orla collaborated as production co-designer with Julian Crouch on Gilgamesh, a Macnas production with Artichoke UK for Galway European Capital of Cullture 2020. She designed and creatively directed her own puppetry centred show ‘Fen’ which was presented at Roscommon Arts Centre in May, and has recently been awarded an arts council spectacle bursary.
