Over 11,000 people come to Longford Town for Longford Lights Festival

Led by artistic director Tom Meskell, over 200 local people helped in the making of the artwork

Longford County Council is delighted to confirm that over 11,000 people attended Longford Lights Festival which took place on 24-26 February at Connolly Barracks in Longford Town.  

The largest event of its kind in Ireland, crowds were met with many light-based art installations. Led by artistic director Tom Meskell, the sculptural light displays were created by over 200 Longford people from local schools and community groups. Groups involved included Drumlish and Killoe Men Sheds, Longford Irish Countrywomen’s Associations, Longford Women’s Link, St Christopher’s and the Ethnic Minority Hub.

The event was opened by Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Turlough McGovern. It was also made possible with from expertise Macnas from Galway and the Liverpool Lantern Company, both acclaimed and award-winning spectacle theatre companies.

Longford Lights Festival is a partnership between artist Tom Meskell and Longford County Council Arts Office. It was co-funded through the Arts Council of Ireland and its Project Award Scheme.

Opening the event Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Turlough McGovern said, “It is so great to welcome so many people here to enjoy these fantastic displays of art, sculpture and light. I know some people have travelled far to be here for this event. I want to thank artistic director Tom Meskell, the many local people, community groups and schools for their hard work in bringing this festival to life. I also thank the Council’s Arts Office for their support to make this happen. I hope everyone enjoys this weekend and their visit to Longford Town.”

Longford County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon added, “Longford County Council, through the work of its Arts Office, is proud to support the new Longford Lights Festival. It is an initiative which has brought local people and groups together to create art work that add to the vibrancy of our town. And, as we can see, such initiatives bring people from neighbouring counties and further afield into Longford Town to see all that we have to offer.”