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23 Sept 2025
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23 Sept 2025
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Singer Lisa Lambe and legendary Irish guitarist Steven Begley bringing Mamó: Songs my Grandmother Gave To Me to Laois.
With Electric Picnic, Forest Fest and the Folly Festival all another success in Laois this year, yet another national festival beckons especially for young music, theatre and film lovers.
It will offer lovely autumn treats including an acclaimed performance by two Irish musicians, a screening of David Attenborough's latest movie, and The Zombie Monologues show.
The Lasta Festival, an Irish festival running across seven regional Irish theatres, comes to Portlaoise this October.
It is celebrating ‘Home’ through the Arts with an exciting trio of shows at the Dunamaise Arts Centre, from Wednesday to Saturday, October 15 to 18.
Curated by Laois artists David Vesey and Ellie Lee Henry, the festival has been designed with young people at its heart, while remaining open and welcoming to audiences of all ages.
Lasta Laois curators: theatre maker Ellie Lee Henry and traditional and classical musician David Vesey.
They chose the central theme of ‘Home’ to explore ideas of belonging, environment, memory, and identity through a diverse
programme of music, theatre, and film.
The festival opens on Wednesday, October 15 at 7.30pm with a special screening of Ocean by Sir David Attenborough. The film will be followed by a panel discussion on climate change, inviting audiences to reflect on our shared responsibility to protect the natural world we call home.
On Friday, audiences can enjoy the theatrical highlight The Zombie Monologues, a fresh and witty performance that promises both humour and thought-provoking moments.
The festival culminates on Saturday, October 18 at 8pm with the much-anticipated concert Mamó: Songs My Grandmother Gave to Me, featuring the acclaimed Irish singer Lisa Lambe and legendary guitarist Steve Cooney.
Adding to the magic of the evening, talented young harpers from Music Generation Laois will open the performance, showcasing the next generation of musicians from the county.
David Vesey and Ellie Lee Henry are hoping it resonates with audiences.
“We wanted to create a festival that feels rooted in Laois but speaks to young people everywhere. The theme of ‘home’ is universal, and we hope audiences will find a sense of connection and inspiration through the programme we’ve put together,” they said.
Read also: PICTURES: Laois musicians shine during Culture Night 2025
The Lasta Festival is part of a nationwide initiative supported by the Arts Council and the Nasc Network of Arts Centres, giving young curators the opportunity to shape and present ambitious cultural events for their communities.
Tickets and full programme details are available at www.dunamaise.ie.
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