Longford Lights 2026 was launched at Áras an Chontae, offering a vibrant preview of Ireland’s largest Midlands arts festival as it prepares for its spectacular finale this February. READ MORE BELOW PHOTO Throwback Thursday | Do you recognise anyone in this gallery of classic Longford black and white photos from 1999? Caption: Pedal Power: ‘Glow on the Go’, one of Ireland’s first-ever night time illuminated bicycle parades, is set to be one of the highlights of the 2026 Longford Lights Festival and Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Garry Murtagh is getting in some early practice. Picture: Shelley Corcoran The launch also featured a retrospective photography exhibition showcasing memorable moments from previous festivals, with over 30 striking images by 18 amateur and professional photographers which will be on display at Áras an Chontae until March 2. Now in its fifth and final year, Longford Lights has become a cornerstone of the region’s cultural calendar, attracting almost 12,000 visitors annually. Also read: Working to strengthen Longford’s position as a must-visit destination Organisers revealed an exciting programme to an audience of artists, schools, community groups and funders, including Longford County Council, the Arts Council, Creative Ireland and Mide Arts Group, Longford Tourism and Longford Local Community Safety Partnership. This year’s theme, ‘Lightly Playful,’ promises a joyful celebration of colour, creativity and imagination. The festival runs from Thursday, February 19 to Sunday, February 22, transforming Longford Town into a glowing wonderland. Among the standout features is ‘Glow on the Go,’ one of Ireland’s first-ever nighttime illuminated bicycle parades. Over two nights, members of the Irish Wheelchair Association’s Longford branch and Heartland Wheelers Cycling Club will take to the streets on specially adapted tricycles and ‘Frankenstein bikes’ adorned with lights and percussion instruments, creating a moving spectacle of sound and
‘Exceptional artistic talent’ will transform Longford into a glowing wonderland
Longford Lights 2026 set to to attract almost 12,000 visitors
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Caption: Weronika Bogdan pictured at the recent launch of the Longford Lights 2026. Picture: Shelley Corcoran
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Caption: A selection of participating artists, Holly Gardner, Alla Syhmhovska, Lissette Carcamo, Hope Feeney, Caroline Conway, Kevin Hanlon, Aileen Keogh, Edel Heavey, Daniel Barr, Laura Shanley, Lorraine Mulligan, Weronika Bogdan, Stephanie Hanlon, Lorraine Donohoe and Irene Doran, pictured at the recent launch of Longford Lights 2026 with Arts Officer Shane Crossan and Cathaoirleach Cllr Garry Murtagh Picture: Shelley Corcoran
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Caption: Arts Officer Shane Crossan speaking at the launch of Longford Lights 2026 Picture: Shelley Corcoran
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Caption: Elected members, staff and management of Longford County Council pictured with Arts Officer Shane Crossan, Artistic Director, Caroline Conway and Cathaoirleach Cllr Garry Murtagh pictured at the recent launch of Longford Lights 2026. Picture: Shelley Corcoran
