Cairde is Sligo’s Arts Festival. We are continuously developing ways in which we can; increase access to high quality arts; meaningfully engage diverse communities in the festival programme; create collaborative connections; celebrate our unique place and offer opportunities for people from all walks of life to come together and celebrate the transformational power of art.  

Following the closing processional performance devised and performed by LUXE in 2023, we saw first-hand the incredible capacity for a processional / parade event to harness the spirit of community and celebration. At this point in time, we decided to build on this work; increase the community involvement and participation and weave together professional street performers with community performers, ensuring a high quality processional experience as well as meaningful community engagement and ownership.  

The workshops will take place from July 1st to 12th (Mon to Fri) and will culminate in a processional performance on the night of Saturday July 13th. This event will be free to the general public, will involve some road closure and will finalise in Queen Maeve Square with an outdoor fire performance by the Pyro Collective. The event will use an integrated approach to weave together community performers with professionals ensuring a high level of quality for the spectator as well as instilling a great sense of pride and belonging – both for the performers and the audience.

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.