Baboró 2025's Programme Brings Wonder, Play and Creativity to Galway
October is set to be a magical time in Galway with Baboró International Arts Festival for Children bringing an extraordinary programme of theatre, dance, circus, puppetry, literature, visual art and workshops for audiences from newborns to teens.
Now in its 29th year, the 10-day festival is set to create incredible memories for children across Galway, with a stellar lineup of artists from Ireland and around the world taking part.
Audiences from both Galway city, county and beyond are set to enjoy performances in theatres, galleries, bookshops, libraries and even along the seashore. Everyday corners of Galway will be transformed into little pockets of wonder and creativity, with both international artists and Irish talent flocking to the city. Keep reading for some programme highlights, with tickets going on sale today at 6pm.
Inclusive Performances for Children with Additional Needs
Baboró has a commitment to accessibility, imagination and joy, and this year is no different. Families, schools and communities will encounter creativity in new and inspiring ways.
Two events made especially for children with additional needs are the charming Hello, Hands and Feet by Spanish circus company Animal Religion and the very chilled The Sound Nest by That’s Life, a collective of local artists with ID.
Access to measures such as captioned performances, ISL interpretation, touch tours and audio description is also included in the programme. With 10 non-verbal performances and 9 relaxed events this festival is created around ensuring that everyone feels welcome.
Programme Highlights from Around the World
Artists from around the world are heading to Galway to take part in the diverse line up. Among the performance programme highlights are the Spanish production …and the ideas soar, a luminous circus performance filled with humour, sound and play, and Be Kind by Emilie Weisse Circustheater from the Netherlands, a sensory introduction to performance for babies and toddlers.
From England, The Egg and Toby Thompson will bring the much loved story of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince, to life with a spellbinding adaptation, staged with captioned performances to ensure inclusivity.
Double You by Be Flat, from Belgium, takes centre stage with a high energy international performance that explores the fear of missing out with two stages and a fabric wall separating two different audiences.
Don't miss the acrobatic duet, Compagnie Content Pour Peu, from France with By Trial and Error, a performance that borrows the playful spirit of burlesque and silent cinema with hilarious consequences.
Celebrating Irish Talent in Puppet Theatre
Irish talent features prominently in this year's programme with puppet theatre shows from Irish artists such as FEN and Leaves. Designed and directed by Orla Clogher, FEN presents a gentle yet stirring puppet tale about protecting the natural world, suitable for children aged 4-8.
Branar brings Leaves, a new Dublin Theatre Festival production about learning to be in the world and those who guide us through everything. Music by Colm Mac Con Iomaire is combined with the enchanting puppetry beautifully.
Dance Performances that Inspire and Captivate
Sensational dance shows will bring a fresh energy to this year's festival. Matière(s) première(s) by Compagnie par Terre and the internationally acclaimed choreographer Anne Nguyen, is a powerful and breathtaking dance show blending street and African dance, exploring heritage, resilience and connection. Together they blend traditional African dance, street styles and contemporary movement into performances that captivate audiences of all ages.
Participatory Exhibitions and Creative Workshops
Alongside performances, children can create, play and explore through exhibitions and workshops. Highlights include First Impressions, a landmark exhibition by Jane Hayes for early years, and the interactive music installations A Children’s Guide to Anarchy by Dumbworld and Red Note Ensemble and The Sound Nest by Galway's That's Life.
This full programme of workshops invites children and young people to draw, dance, sing, write stories, explore the shoreline and even record their own songs, ensuring every age finds a way to connect.
The natural world also features strongly, with local artists leading sessions such as WeWild by Lindsay Deely of Toodlelou Creativity Lab and Wild Moves by dancer Linda Schirmer.
Naturalist and wildlife documentary presenter Eoin Warner will teach audiences about the lives of the animals we share this island with, in Worlds Within Ireland’s Wild Islands. This lively interactive session incorporates stunning documentary footage and live story telling to create a journey of discovery through the natural world of our wild island.
“Baboró is about creating space for children to engage with big ideas, to laugh, to imagine and to see themselves reflected in extraordinary art,” says Aislinn Ó hEocha, Artistic Director. “We believe every child deserves the chance to experience the arts in a way that inspires confidence, empathy and joy. This year’s programme is possibly our most vibrant and energetic yet with several dance and circus shows to get our feet tapping and hearts racing! We hope that our young audiences leave theatres and galleries with a love of the unique experience of live performance.”
Free events remain a cornerstone of Baboró’s programme, with exhibitions, installations, storytime and school workshops open to all.
Tickets are priced from €8 for children and €12 for adults, with family and group rates available. School bookings can be made via www.baboro.ie/schools with a deadline of Friday 5 September. For the full programme and updates, visit www.baboro.ie or follow Baboró on social media.
Feature image Andrew Downes
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