VIDEO: Fiery launch for four-day Puca Festival spectacular to rock Meath this Halloween
Four nights of music, fire, myth, and mischief celebrating Ireland as the origin of Halloween in Trim and Athboy from 28th to 31st October 2022 was offically launched in spectacular style in Trim this week.
A mesmersing fire show by Broken Theatre Pyro Collective was performed against the Castle walls on Wednesday night to celebrate the forthcoming festival with its stellar line up of acts including Imelda May, Gavin James, The Academic, Jason Byrne, Joanne McNally, Block Rockin' Beats and much, much more.
It's also been announced that Sibéal, one of Ireland's foremost sean-nós singers and is from Ráth Chairn will be the special guest singer to lead a fire-lit procession to bring the forthcoming Puca Festival to a spectacular close.
The Closing Procession of Fire and Light is set to wow spectators in Athboy on Halloween night including performances from Sibéal and Kíla with a very special, intimate fire lighting ceremony at Tlachtga (the Hill of Ward), paying tribute to traditional Samhain rituals.
The Puca Festival was offically launched by Broken Theatre who will also be appearing at the festival as well as a special performance by Ratoath band, Noah.
Headline acts for the Hallween weekend include: The Academic, Imelda May, Gavin James, Block Rockin’ Beats with King Kong Company and HamsandwicH, Lisa Hannigan & Cathy Davey, The High Kings, The Jerry Fish Electric Sideshow Cabaret, Blindboy, Candlelit Tales, Joanne McNally, Neil Delamere, David O’Doherty, and Jason Byrne. There are other free events including Sharon Shannon, Seo Linn, Guth na nGael, Gluais, and Irish Music Ensemble.
Púca Festival was devised by Fáilte Ireland to encourage international visitors to visit Ireland during October and November, and to encourage domestic visitors to explore different regions of Ireland, by sharing the origin story of Samhain or ‘Summer’s End’. The festival will act as a platform to celebrate this cultural landmark, drive international visitors, and ultimately act as a vehicle to spread global awareness of Ireland as the birthplace of Halloween
Working in partnership with Irish artists, seanchaí storytellers, and the local community, Púca will showcase the best in contemporary Irish music, spectacle, and performance.
Speaking at the launch at Trim Castle, Ciara Sugrue, Head of Festivals, Fáilte Ireland said: “Festivals are crucial to the tourism sector, motivating over 200,000 overseas visitors to come to Ireland and contributing €108m to the economy every year. Working in partnership with Meath County Council, Fáilte Ireland is committed to developing Púca Festival into a world-class festival that positions Ireland as the home of Halloween internationally over the next number of years. We are excited to see the festival come to life this October.”
Jackie Maguire, Chief Executive, Meath County Council, said: “Meath County Council is delighted to support the Púca Festival in 2022 and we look forward to welcoming visitors to celebrate the origins of Samhain in Meath with a very exciting programme of events and support the tourism economy of County Meath.”
Officially launching the festival, Cathaoirleach, Meath Co Council, Cllr Nick Killian said: "The programme of events is very impressive and there is something for everyone to enjoy. Not only can visitors to the Púca Festival enjoy music, comedy and live entertainment, but there is also an opportunity to experience the history and culture of Samhain through the walking tours at Trim and The Hill of Ward, storytelling, food and craft markets, the Trim opening procession-The Arrival of the Spirits and The Samhain closing ceremony at Tlachtga and much, much more.
"The Púca Festival presents a wonderful occasion to attract visitors to Meath and ultimately to contribute to the local economy and support local businesses."
Working with Fáilte Ireland and MPI Bands on Púca, has given us the platform to showcase our great county to the world.
Paula Lawler, Programme Director for Púca Festival added: “I am thrilled to announce details of Samhain Fires - a very special Closing Ceremony for Púca Festival, taking place on sacred ground at The Hill of Ward, a traditional site of Samhain gathering and hugely significant to Ireland’s claim as the birthplace of Halloween. We have also added a multitude of free events over the festival weekend, from traditional music to céilí dancing to late night clubs, ensuring options to suit all budgets and tastes. With so much to explore, there’s no doubt that Trim and Athboy are the places to be this Halloween!”
For more information on the programme of events and acts and for tickets, please see www.pucafestival.com