Droichead's Annual Arts Festival for children, young people and families returns!

THE LONESOME BOATMAN | OUCH PRODUCTIONS & COLM O’GRADY | SUN 12 OCT | 3PM | €8 | 5+ AND FAMILIES

Follow the incredible adventures of Buttons, a corrupt local politician who gets into his bath and sails away on the rising tides. Upon this amazing voyage, Buttons battles with the sea, the elements and his ego. An outstanding circus theatre show for family audiences; a musical clown odyssey, which explores the themes of climate change in a humorous but thought-provoking way. Made possible thanks to the Arts Council of Ireland funding Circus and Touring Award. With support from Cairde Arts Festival, Roscommon Arts Centre, DeClic Circus and all the dreamers and makers along the way.

THE ADVENTURES OF SHAY MOUSE - THE MOUSE FROM LONGFORD | BY PAT MCCABE ADAPTED & PERFORMED BY PADRAIC MCINTYRE & SHANE CARROLL | SUN 19 OCT | 3PM | €8 | AGES 5+

Based on one of the warmest and lively children’s books to be published in Ireland, this new adaptation and inventive production with songs and delightful regional accents is a treat for young audiences.

CIRCUS 250 SHOW | SAT 25 OCT | 3PM | €8

Circus 250 complete their residency week with one of their amazing family shows. TBC

CIRCUS 250 RESIDENCY IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS 21-24 OCT | FREE

Droichead are delighted to welcome back Circus 250 for a weeklong residency in schools in Drogheda and East Meath from the 21 -24 Oct. A Watersplash themed week, with workshops where you can create your own bubble shapes, make juggling balls out of sand, spin plates, a nature’s secret workshop in response to the Boyne River, and discover how to make a masterpiece with bubbles and paper. If your school is interested in participating in the workshops programme please email collette.farrell@droichead.com

THE DROGHEDA CREDIT UNION SPOOKS PARADE FRI 24 OCT | KADA KA BOOM ARTS AND DROICHEAD ARTS CENTRE

Once again the ghouls take over the streets of Drogheda for THE SPOOKS PARADE!! Launching the LÚ FESTIVAL OF LIGHT in ghastly style, as a procession of horrific characters march out onto the ancient streets and drag their sinister souls all across the town from Barlow House to Laurence's Gate. Schools across Drogheda & East Meath will participate and spectators are encouraged to dress up and join the ghoulish fun. Supported by Drogheda's Night Time Economy Advisor and sponsored by Drogheda Credit Union.

CLAYTIME | Protours | WEDS 29 OCT | 12.30PM & 2.30PM | Ages 4-6

A gorgeous, improvised "play made out of clay" that is different every time. It encourages interaction and creativity from the children in the audience in coming up with a story, which the performers then create with clay. It's also followed by 20 mins of hands-on clay playtime for the audience.

Visit Website for more details.

Leanbh is funded by the Arts Council, Creative Ireland, Drogheda Credit Union, and Louth County Council.