This evening’s (Thursday) Boyle Arts Festival opening parade promises to be a vibrant celebration of creativity and community, filled with new and exciting visual delights showcasing the artistic expression joy of the community.
The Parade brings the festival theme “A Collector’s Journey” to life in spectacular style! At its heart is an original song, commissioned by Boyle Arts Festival and composed by Sarah Garden in collaboration with the Boyle Community Choir. Children taking part in the week of creative workshops will not only have prepared percussion, costume, and dance—but also have learned and sang this specially composed song as part of the celebration.
The collaboration continues with up-styled giant puppets by the Brothers of Charity, visually narrating the Collector’s path and up-cycled fish by Foróige, while choirs from across Roscommon will add their voices to the celebration.
Parade participants will wear blue and green to represent the flowing Boyle River, guiding the Collector on his journey to King House. Come line the streets, wear your colours and be immersed in a festival of sound, movement, and imagination!
The procession will commence at the Crescent at 7pm, making its journey down Bridge Street and Main Street, ending at King House. It would be great to see the streets lined with community members and visitors, 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.
The official opening of the 2025 Boyle Arts Festival will take place at King House at 8pm following the parade, by special guest Bryan Dobson.
Later on Thursday night, Boyle musician Dave Byrne will play in Patrick’s Well on St. Patrick Street commencing at 10am.
Well-known for his captivating live sets, Dave will take you on a musical journey through the decades, with an eclectic mix of rock ’n’ roll, folk, and pop classics from the 1950s to the 1990s. From soulful ballads to high-energy anthems, his set has something for every music lover.
Temporary Road Closure for Opening Parade
Please be advised that on Thursday evening, July 17th, from 7:05pm to 7:30pm (for 20mins), there will be a temporary road closure to facilitate the Opening Parade of the Boyle Arts Festival 2025.
The parade will travel from the Sports Complex to King House.
Traffic will be temporarily stopped at the following points:
Shilling Hill
Gurteen Road
Creighton’s Corner
Top of The Crescent
We kindly ask all road users to plan their journeys accordingly and thank you in advance for your patience and support.
Your cooperation will help ensure that over 150 participants and audience members can safely enjoy this vibrant community spectacle.
