Stradbally gets set for first of a kind eco-friendly family festival by local theatre group
Those behind the festival have produced the entire event using 75% recycled and carbon free materials
Kiki Theatre Group, a Laois based non-profit Theatre and Performance Group who are spearheading the emergence of a creative, innovative and theatrical arts movement in the county will host their first major festival of the Autumn/Winter season in Stradbally, this Sunday, September 30.
The group who receive no public funding in compiling their unique culture fuelled events and festivals are bringing a jam-packed Sunday line up of trains, theatre, food, arts, craft and eco-friendliness to the picturesque Laois village.
Impressively, those behind the festival have produced the entire event using 75% recycled and carbon free materials along with bio-constructing 15 environmentally friendly huts with materials supplied by local companies Walker Recycling and Beech Field Health Care.
Everything down to plates and cutlery will be bio-degradable.
The Ogham Tree festival sees Kiki Theatre Group partner with national organisations such as Birdwatch Ireland, Recycling List Ireland and ‘Leave no trace’ in bringing this unique festival to the people of Laois.
“It is a privilege to bring an event such as The Ogham Tree festival to the people of Laois. We receive very little in the way of public funding and rely on the generous support of the individuals and sponsors who participate in our events.
"We are committed to progressing a lively culture of the arts and theatre that embodies the County of Laois.
"Most importantly, we want the work of Kiki Theatre Group to be as inclusive and accessible as possible to the general public so that they can embrace what Laois and the many talented artists, writers and actors living here have to offer.” says John Doheny, founder of Kiki Theatre Group.
This magical festival that is geared towards families and lovers of creativity, culture and the arts of all ages will see visitors embarking on a magical train journey through Stradbally woods to be educated and excited by the nature that surrounds them.
They will meet a host of characters from woodland fairies to foxes and rabbits along the way on the iconic steam train.
Exhibitors from across Laois and further afield will be on hand throughout the day to add to the festival feel.
Revellers will have the chance to get up close and personal with Birds of Prey from ‘Raven Haven Aviaries’ or sample delicious organic food from an emerging Laois food producers Viva Street Food and Edmundsberry Greens.
Birdwatch Ireland will help budding birdwatchers identify birds indigenous to the area and if this jam packed line-up proves too much there is always the option of retreating away for some Yoga with yoga instructor Simon Rodgers.
The best of Irish craft will also be brought to the fore with Paddy O’Brien, who is best known as The Ogham Man who will be creating the bespoke mythical ogham structures and explaining their significance to Irish history.
Organiser John Doheny describes the event as “a magical festival of creativity, innovation, and education for all to enjoy.”
Starting at 10.30am, Stradbally train journeys will depart every 20 minutes from the station up until 5.00 PM with the festival and crafts area open all day for people to interact and explore. Tickets start from just 10.00 euro, with all proceeds raised going back into the organisation for future events.
The Kiki Arts, Theatre and Performance Group was founded in 2016 by Portlaoise stage designer John Doheny.
The non-profit volunteer organisation creates quality theatre productions, street theatre, workshops and festivals involving visiting professionals, amateurs and local, national and international theatre groups and enthusiasts. https://www.facebook.com/ ArtsTheatreTrains/ for tickets.