New Homepage 2026
Bringing extraordinary arts experiences
into communities across Ireland
We create live performances and participatory arts programmes with artists, communities and partners across Ireland.
Upcoming Events
Louth Harvest Sessions 2026
Friday 2 October
11am — Cooley Kickhams GFC, Carlingford
4pm — Marian Park, Dundalk
Saturday 3 October
1pm — Rathmullen House, 80 Rathmullen Park, Drogheda
4pm — Connect Family Resource Centre, Moneymore, Drogheda
Free — all welcome
Live performances from:
Emer Furlong · Róisín Ward Morrow · Bréifne Holohan · Theresa McKenna · Stephen Carolan · Chrissy Mac
The Harvest Sessions bring Festival in a Van to communities across Louth for two days of live music and performance. Join us in Carlingford, Dundalk and Drogheda as our mobile venue pops up in local neighbourhoods, bringing professional artists and live performance right into the heart of the community.
Funded by Creative Ireland Louth and supported by Louth County Council, Louth Local Development and Connect Family Resource Centre.
Two ways to work with Festival in a Van
Festival in a Van Events
From pop-up concerts and community celebrations to festivals and special events, our fully equipped mobile venue brings professional live performance directly to where people are.
Participatory Arts Programmes
We develop artist-led programmes with communities, creating opportunities for people to explore their creativity while strengthening connection, wellbeing and participation.
Our Participatory Arts Programmes
Working with artists and local partners, we develop programmes that respond to particular communities, places and people. From creative writing and spoken word to music, visual arts and multidisciplinary projects, each programme is shaped through participation and collaboration.
Songlines
Bringing older people and professional musicians together to share songs, stories and memories, building connection and wellbeing through music.
What Makes a Man?
An artist-led spoken word programme for young men, exploring identity, masculinity and belonging while building confidence, communication and connection.
Rooted
A new artist-led programme exploring how different ways of noticing and experiencing the natural world can become the starting point for making art.
About Festival in a Van
Festival in a Van is a mobile arts organisation bringing professional artists and creative experiences directly into communities across Ireland. Founded in 2020 by Gemma Tipton, our distinctive mobile venue allows us to work in places where people already live, meet and gather — creating opportunities to experience, participate in and connect through the arts.
Festival in a Van in Action
From town squares and community centres to festivals and care settings, Festival in a Van brings artists and audiences together, transforming everyday spaces into places for live performance, creativity and connection.
Bring Festival in a Van to Your Community
Whether you’re planning a community event, festival or special occasion, or interested in developing a participatory arts programme, we’d love to hear from you. Talk to us about how Festival in a Van could work in your community.