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Irish Independent

See photos: Big crowds enjoyed packed programme at Drogheda Arts Festival

The festival opened on Friday with the launch of Bit Symphony by artist Liam O'Callaghan at the former Methodist Church. Events continued throughout the weekend at venues including Droichead Arts Centre, Highlanes Gallery, The Little Duke Theatre, Gerrard's Church, and Scotch Hall. Saturday's programme included AI:OK, a free talk by Dr Martin Clancy on artificial intelligence and the music industry. The Walk, Talk and Chalk tours, led by Caoimhe McCarthy and Little Twit, combined guided walks and on-the-go art making while music lovers enjoyed the traditional music showcase at Highlanes Gallery. Saturday afternoon saw The Big Day Out at Scotch Hall, which featured music from Drogheda Brass Band, The Blue Belles and jazz-electronic duo BBFT. Performers like Jitterbug Jackson and Entre Nos entertained crowds, while Miss Bella A Gogo performed her Never Ending Story act and emceed the event. Creative demonstrations were provided by Gatothor Ceramica and Creative Circle, and Drogheda's Community Orchestra offered an interactive session. Visitors browsed the Drogheda Zine stall and Cottage Market and enjoyed delicious food from Biddos Mexican and local coffee vendors. Saturday night featured Seefeel's headline performance at Droichead Arts Centre, marking their return with new music including their latest album Everything Squared. On Sunday, local actor Grainne Rafferty debuted her one-woman play Around the Head at the Little Duke Theatre. The performance sold out and received a strong audience response with standing ovations. 'That was wonderful, I want to see it again,' one attendee was heard saying. Sunday evening closed the festival with a performance at Gerrard's Church by Tom Dunne (Something Happens) and Fiachna Ó Braonáin (Hothouse Flowers), supported by talented singer-songwriter Sarah O'Brien and friends. Festival organiser Brenda McComeskey noted the venue 'is fast becoming the east coast's Other Voices venue.' Speaking on the experience, Tom Dunne said 'The energy we got here will stay with us for a while, its a great festival!' Festival Extra events included Night Moves at Droichead Arts Centre, which was curated by Stephen McArdle, featuring Oisín Leech, Dotts O'Connor and DJ Emmie Lou, with an installation by Vivienne Byrne. A late-night gig also took place at the Watchtower in McHugh's. This year's festival was focused on celebrating the power of creativity and the way art can unite us, along with the local and national artists with creativity at its core,' said McComeskey. "We worked really hard this year to bring a diverse programme showcasing local talent and bringing a unique experience to this year's festival. We were committed to providing an inclusive and accessible platform for both emerging and established arts to showcase their work and engage with the public and with the stunning weather which always brings people out, it was a fantastic weekend.' Mc Comeskey thanked everyone who attended adding 'Here's to Drogheda Arts Festival 2026!'