Waterford's Imagine Arts Festival programme launched ahead of events next weekend

The Imagine Arts Festival that takes place in Waterford every year has unveiled the programme for this year's event. 

The six day celebration of theatre, music, dance, heritage, and more will run from Tuesday, October 21st to Sunday, October 26th.

"This year’s Imagine Arts Festival builds on Waterford’s extraordinary creative spirit - offering audiences a programme that is bold, diverse and deeply rooted in community. We’re thrilled to premiere new work by Phil Christie, host an international residency with Ksenia Parkhatskaya and David Duffy, and celebrate voices that span generations, disciplines and traditions," Festival Director, Sinéad Dunphy, said.

This year the festival will be introducing a brand new element which will act as a base for people to gather information, meet artists, and experience exhibitions, installations, and workshops. 

The base will be located at the former AIB Bank on Michael Street.

Imagine Arts Festival is suitable for people of all ages and is considered a family-friendly event. 

Below is a number of programme highlights.

Theatre & Performance: 

Word Against the Word – Keith Dunphy -  A powerful one-man show tracing his journey from Waterford to RADA, grappling with dyslexia and the lure of Shakespeare. (Tue–Sat, Garter Lane)

How Is Everyone Doing? – Hannah Carberry - A new work-in-progress exploring loneliness, connection, and Irish folklore. (Tue 21 Oct, St. Patrick’s Gateway)

Hero / Banlaoch – Wandering Stories Theatre - Personal stories interwoven with ancient Irish myths in a lyrical storytelling performance. (Thu 23 Oct, Phil Grimes’ Pub)

Music & Dance

Phil Christie (The Bonk) – Commissioned Artist - Experimental new work blending groove, rhythm, and improvisation. (Sun 26 Oct, Garter Lane)

Shauna Mullin, Alan Colfer & Damien McGeehan - A trio performance blending traditional and contemporary songs with exquisite arrangements. (Fri 24 Oct, St. Patrick’s Gateway)

The Legendary Dead - Raise a glass while we raise the dead - a bold, one-of-a-kind live performance trail across Waterford’s pubs, merging music, theatre, and spectacle. (Fri 24 Oct, Starting point Nicky’s Bar at 8 PM, moving onto The Tap, The Exchange, The Tavern, Downes’ Bar)

Children & Young People

Circusful & Waterford Youth Arts – Same Difference - A cross-border collaboration between Belfast’s Circusful and Waterford Youth Arts, showcasing the creativity, energy, and imagination of young performers. (Sun 26 Oct, Theatre Royal)

Shadow Lands – Cathy Purcell, Niall Crowley, & Nick Kavanagh - A magical theatre piece combining music, shadow puppetry, and myths from Ireland and Indonesia. (Sun 26 Oct, Medieval Museum · 12 PM & 2 PM)

Big Blaa Little Blaa All-Stars - A retro-style family gameshow with a Waterford twist — fun, laughter, and local flair! (Sun 26 Oct, Tower Hotel)

Installations (All Week) 

Exhibition of Wool Paintings – Emily A Thompson - Textile landscapes recreated through the ancient craft of needle felting. (Festival Hub)

To Paint a Picture in Your Mind – Molly Buí Hennessy - An intuitive, participatory installation combining painting, poetry, and sound. (Festival Hub)

Where Dreams Are Born – Isa Studio Photography - A photographic journey exploring childhood wonder and imagination. (Festival Hub)

Get Involved / Workshops

Dancing the Character - a practical dance workshop with Ksenia Parkhatskaya, exploring rhythm, character, and expressive storytelling. (Wed 22 Oct, St. Patrick’s Gateway)

From Silence to Spectacle - a live performance workshop with David Duffy, integrating technology, dramaturgy, and live sound. (Thu 23 Oct, St. Patrick’s Gateway)

Let’s Create a Story! – Niamh Donnellan- A rhyming story workshop for children aged 4–6, blending words and illustration. (Fri 24 Oct, Festival Hub)

Tickets for all events and a full programme can be found at www.imagineartsfestival.com.