Get ready for an unforgettable journey into the world of creativity and imagination as the 27th annual Baboró festival approaches!
We are delighted to share a first look at 3 exciting festival highlights and unveil our festival poster illustrated by Sarah Moloney. You’ll find an enchanting new show from beloved Irish companies Fidget Feet and Ceol Connected alongside world-class theatre for older children by renowned Australian company Slingsby. Also from Australia, an engaging visual art exhibition will invite Galway families to create and view their own photographic portraits in Galway Arts Centre.
“As we finalise plans for Baboró 2023, I am delighted to unveil three stunning festival highlights featuring aerial dance, theatre, live music and portrait photography - two of which come from as far away as Australia! The full programme of work from Belgium, England, Spain, The Netherlands, Australia and Ireland will be revealed in a few weeks,” said Aislinn Ó hEocha, Executive Artistic Director.
The full programme will include visual arts, music, dance, theatre, literature, creative workshops and adult events, as well as many more performances for all ages. The programme will be announced on Tuesday 5 September, with tickets on sale from Wednesday 6 September.
Baboró 2023 will take place from Friday 13 October until Sunday 22 October in venues throughout Galway city and county.
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When the Moon Spun Round
Fidget Feet & Ceol Connected | Ireland | Aerial Dance | 6-12 YRS
This charming and uplifting take on WB Yeats’ stories and poetry is inspired by ‘When the Moon Spun Round’ edited by Noreen Doody and illustrated by Shona Shirley Macdonald.
An enchanting show featuring a playful mix of contemporary aerial dance and traditional music played out by tricksters in the moonlight. Come on an imaginative journey of joyful movement, where a fiddler soars high, and cloths made from the night and light and half-light are suspended, float and fall.
The Boy Who Talked to Dogs
Slingsby | Australia | Theatre | 12+ YRS
Beautifully adapted by Irish playwright Amy Conroy, 'The Boy Who Talked to Dogs' is a magical and mischievous tale of transformation, redemption, and what happens when the underdog finds his pack.
Based on the best-selling memoir by Martin McKenna, this rough-and-tumble tale fuses shadow puppetry, live music and stunning physical performance to bring the epic true story of the Byron Bay ‘Dog Man’ to the stage.
I See You Like This
Jessica Wilson | Australia | Visual Art | 5+ YRS
With our ever-growing appetite to document our lives through photos and selfies, children are often the reluctant subjects of adults’ cameras - asked to smile, look natural and come in closer.
In this exhibition, Australian artist Jessica Wilson flips the camera around giving the children control while their significant adults become their subjects. The resulting portraits of Galway families will create the exhibition.
Be Part of the Exhibition
Do you want to see your child’s creative vision come to life on a gallery wall? You will have the opportunity to book one of these portrait sessions with Jessica and photographer Julia Dunin when our box office opens on Wednesday 6 September. These portraits will be taken the week prior to the festival and will be presented at the Galway Arts Centre during the festival. Booking for these portrait appointments will be available when the box office opens on Wednesday 6 September.
How to Book Tickets
Our full programme will be announced on Tuesday 5 September and tickets will go on sale the following day, Wednesday 6 September.
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Printed programmes will be sent to Galway schools in late August.
Families & Public
Browse the programme from Tuesday 5 September, and purchase tickets from Wednesday 6 September:
- Book online here at www.baboro.ie
- Book over the phone at 091 569 777
- Book in person from the Town Hall Theatre, Galway
Schools
All schools and group bookings via the Online Booking Request form, available here from Monday 21 August. The deadline to complete the form is Friday 8 September.
Kirsty and Aileen in the Schools Box Office will be happy to help groups plan their visits, and answer any questions about show selection, online booking, bus subsidies and any other queries.
Contact the Schools Box Office on schools@baboro.ie or 091 532 985.
Artists & Industry
Delegate passes will be available to purchase online from Wednesday 6 September.
Performances, talks, and workshops must be booked separately.
Baboró's 27th Festival is supported and funded by
Baboró International Arts Festival for Children is Ireland’s flagship festival devoted exclusively to children and families. Baboró is funded by The Arts Council of Ireland and Galway City and County Councils. This year’s festival is supported by their Irish Language Partner, Cúla4, Literature Partner, Charlie Byrnes and Sustainable Print Partner, iSupply. Baboró is also supported by the businesses and venues of Galway City.
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