Light Up the Castle, the spectacular audio-visual show projected onto the walls of Kilkenny Castle, has become one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the Festival calendar.
This year’s show, ____ Because You’re Free, is a stunning new projection asking what it means to be human in a world gripped by technological acceleration, ecological crisis and a growing sense of disconnection.
Multidisciplinary artist Laura Sheeran invites us to remember ourselves – not as data points, disembodied minds or productivity machines, but as conscious, feeling, embodied beings. Part invocation, part protest, part balm for the soul, ____ Because You’re Free offers a return to the roots of our shared humanity.
Please note: The installation features strobe lighting. Latecomers will not be admitted. Wheelchair users are advised to contact the Festival Box Office before the show. Gates open at 10.15pm at the Parade entrance.
This year we will have a Relaxed Start every night for the Light up the Castle performances to minimize overstimulation.
We ask all families who want to participate to please arrive at the right hand side of the gates to the Castle Rose Garden by 9:40pm to be allowed entry at 9:45pm. You will be able to enter calmly and get settled in a special section by the fountain where you won't be jostled. Then, the music will start and slowly get louder until 10:15pm when everyone else will enter the garden. Then, you get to enjoy the show!
At the end of the show, we would recommend waiting for 5 minutes for the crowd to leave so that you do not get squeezed by the crowd and do not have to hear yelling.
We would appreciate it if you would email our box office at boxoffice@kilkennyarts.ie ahead of the performance to make sure that we have enough space in the quiet area and so that we can make your experience as wonderful as possible!
