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’s opening event is supported by the Roscommon County Council Creative Ireland Programme, an all-of-government initiative that places creativity at the centre of public policy.
The opening event for Boyle Arts Festival transforms the streets of Boyle into a living artwork inspired by the festival theme, Visual Threads. Combining music, movement, costume, opera and large-scale visual spectacle, the processional performance weaves together children, community groups, artists and musicians in a vibrant celebration of creativity and connection.
Developed through workshops in the lead-up to the festival, participants will perform a specially learned operatic chorus in collaboration with the Irish National Opera, alongside choreographed movement by Trisha McDermott of the McDermott Dance School and costume by Carol Daly, with striking puppets created by Corlann. The visual movement culminates at King House with a collective public performance. to officially launch the 2026 festival programme.
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 Monday, 13th to Thursday, 16th July and can be booked through the link below:
Parade Workshops: 5yrs – 14yrs
This year we have also created a series of sensory-friendly workshops for children and families who would like to participate in the visual movement on opening night, in a quieter, smaller-group environment. Please book for these two-day workshops here.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
