The programme for this, the 24th festival, was designed to acknowledge the bravery and resilience of our incredible children, and in recognition of how vital young people are to our communities.
The festival’s carefully curated programme of timely and exciting online events will proceed as planned, alongside some new events that have been added to the programme thanks to the determination and vision of festival organisers, artists and partners. These include two free Facebook live performances; one from Paul Noonan, the acclaimed frontman of Irish band Bell X1, whose indoor concerts at Baboró were cancelled under level 3. He will now perform a concert on Baboró’s Facebook page on Saturday 17 October at 3pm. Meanwhile Galway’s very own The Barceló Brothers will perform a Facebook live concert this Sunday 11 October at 3pm. Their indoor concerts were also cancelled under Level 3.
NOW ON: ONLINE PROGRAMME
The festival had always planned to introduce its audiences to some ground- breaking digital, virtual and interactive experiences, created in and for these special times, by some of the most innovative artists at home and abroad. These will be going ahead as planned, with events across theatre, performance, music and literature to be enjoyed by children and families.
Baboró is also delighted to announce two new online events:
The Barceló Brothers | Baboró Facebook live | Free | Sun 11 October at 3pm
Paul Noonan presents The Electric Kazoo from The Good Room | Baboró Facebook live | Sat 17 October at 3pm
In addition to these new additions to the programme, the following online programme is continuing as planned:
The University of Wonder & Imagination, a fun, interactive group experience for audiences 7+ that will be broadcast live into homes and schools from Belfast-based Cahoots NI, with participants taking part in a self-navigated quest, unlocking their magical powers as they go. This brand new type of event is premiering this month and promises to leave participants with minds boggled and brains bamboozled! Mon 12 – Sat 17 October.
“★★★★★A perfect way to spend an afternoon with children” writes the Sunday Business Post of Mountain Goat Mountain from Australian theatre company Threshold. This audio-led theatre experience for audiences aged 5+ is an invitation to a magical place, with guided activities that help families set up, and step into their own imaginative world of tunnels, lava pits and underwater caves. 30 day pass available.
A Piece of You is a chance to have your very own song written and performed specially for you. Award-winning Scottish composer and cellist Greg Sinclair is giving live online interactive performances for families and children aged 7+, chatting to them in a private concert over Zoom and then turning their thoughts and feelings into their very own music score, performed on his cello from his home in Edinburgh. Sat 10-11 & Sat 17-18 October.
Children’s Books Ireland are hosting a virtual series of their incredibly popular Book Clinic sessions. This is a chance for young readers aged 4+ who are looking for a new series to delve into to have a consultation with an expert “Book Doctor” over Zoom, talk about their favourite books, and leave with a prescription for their next read to take to their local bookshop or library. Tues 6 – Weds 14 October.
NOW ON: OUTDOORS
Meanwhile outdoors in three public parks in Galway city, temporary, nature-based art installations created by Toodlelou Creativity Lab – Colour My Life: Brighten your Day – will share images and messages of hope and inspiration. Through the use of colour and encouraging messages, these installations will aim to brighten the day of those who encounter them. The three locations are the Millennium Children’s Park, University Road; the Circle of Life Commemorative Garden, Salthill and Merlin Woods Park, Douhgiska Road. 5 – 18 October.
Commenting on the latest Government announcement, Executive Artistic Director Aislinn Ó hEocha said: “Baboró is very much underway and while we are disappointed that we are unable to present live performances under Level 3 restrictions, we invite schools, children and families to engage with our online and outdoor programme. Creativity can help us all to make some sense of this world and that is needed now more than ever. This has been – and continues to be - a very challenging time for everyone and it has always been our determined wish to provide opportunities for children and families to celebrate together. It may be a different kind of festival this year, but the artists and all the team remain committed to sprinkling some Baboró magic.”
Coming to our TV screens, Scéalta ó Baboró is a series of readings for young children by Irish authors broadcast on TG4. The readings were filmed at iconic spots around Galway in a collaboration between Baboró and TG4, bringing a sense of the festival into homes around the country. Scéalta ó Baboró will be broadcast on TG4’s Cúla4 Ar Scoil at 10am & 4pm from 12-15 October.
Jojo Hynes’ exhibition, She Crashes In and Fizzles Out, at Galway Arts Centre regrettably had to close under Level 3 restrictions. A virtual tour of the exhibition is available online from 8 October. See baboro.ie
Baboró is grateful for the support of its funders, sponsors, donors and partners who, more than ever, have made it possible to deliver on its mission. The health and safety of the community is paramount and while Covid-19 is having a devastating impact around the world, the arts sector has also been hit hard. Baboró would like to acknowledge the tremendous efforts of artists in Galway, and around the country, who are endeavouring to make work against the backdrop of a global pandemic.
Full details of Baboró’s online and outdoor programme is available on www.baboro.ie. The 24th Baboró festival runs until 18 October. The festival box office will be contacting ticket holders affected by the latest level 3 restrictions.
