Living Legends – 2026 Page

Living Legends is a cross-border creative project led by Narrative 4, bringing young people from Limerick and Belfast together through storytelling, folklore, music and shared cultural experiences.

Festival in a Van is proud to be a creative partner in the project, helping bring live performance, artists and participatory arts experiences to the young people involved.

Following the success of the first Living Legends programme in 2025, Narrative 4 has secured €250,000 from Creative Ireland to expand the project between 2026 and 2028, working in partnership with Festival in a Van and R-City Belfast.

Living Legends: The First Chapter (2025)

The first chapter of Living Legends brought young people from Limerick and Belfast together to explore the stories, traditions and experiences that connect their communities.

Led by Narrative 4, the project used creative workshops, storytelling, music and folklore to encourage dialogue, build friendships and give young people space to express themselves.

Festival in a Van contributed to the programme as a creative partner, supporting opportunities for artistic collaboration and shared cultural experiences.

Living Legends: A New Chapter (2026–2028)

Living Legends is entering an exciting new phase following the award of €250,000 in Creative Ireland funding to Narrative 4.

Running from 2026 to 2028, this next chapter will bring together more than 40 young people from Limerick and Belfast, building on the connections and creative experiences developed during the original programme.

Narrative 4 will lead the project in partnership with Festival in a Van and R-City Belfast, using storytelling and the arts to encourage understanding, collaboration and connection across communities.

The programme begins in Newcastle, County Down, with a creative writing workshop led by author and facilitator Shirley-Anne McMillan. Exploring local myths, legends and the people who shape our communities, participants will create their own stories and contribute to a collective zine.

Building on the connections and creative achievements of the first programme, this new chapter will continue to celebrate young voices, imagination and the stories that connect us.

Project Partners & Funders