'Huge celebration of all things Laois' pomised at Homecoming reprise

The groundwork is already being done for a return of the Lovely Laois Homecoming Festival according to the inspirational behind the event Trudi Lalor.

While the Mountrath woman reflects on what she believes was a phenomenally successful first year with thousands of people returning home to their native county for the weekend, she's not resting on her laurels of success.

Speaking with the Leinster Express / Laois Live, Trudy looks back fondly on the 2025 inaugural edition in September, as a festival packed full of music, literary events, as well as a gala dinner that honoured several Laois natives, including the Supervet Prof Noel Fitzpatrick.

She is also delighted with the creative aspects of the event, which featured art and photography exhibitions, a songwriting workshop, and brush dancing, as well as ceilí and trad sessions.

The weekend also featured afternoon community tea dances hosted by Laois ICA guilds and a Community Mass in Portlaoise.

Trudi came up with the idea for the festival to reunite as many Laois people as possible for one weekend, once a year, and to welcome all those who have made Laois their home. She also felt those who have flown the flag for Laois people around the world should be honoured alongside those who have worked tirelessly, giving their best to benefit others.

Apart from the community dividend, she says there was a boost to the local economy due to the number of visitors who came to Laois to enjoy the celebration.

Trudi told the Leinster Express / Laois Live that she is delighted with 2025 she is looking forward to a reprise. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

The Supervet Noel Fitzpatrick, pictured here with Trudy Lalor, was honoured at the Gala Dinner in Portlaoise. Pic: Alf Harvey. 

“We are absolutely thrilled with the response to the inaugural Lovely Laois Homecoming Festival, and have been inundated with requests for information on next year's dates, with thousands of Laois natives returning home for the weekend to reconnect with family and their community.

“The huge array of talent I witnessed over the homecoming celebrations was something I’ve never seen before. The happiness, the joy and passion that resonated with all ages made the hard work and sleepless nights all worthwhile.

“The support from the people in my home county, and the financial assistance from some local businesses and entrepreneurs who believed in my vision, shows what we can do when we all strive and work together to spread joy and hope.

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“The county rang out with laughter and positivity all over the weekend, and the amount of people who have never visited Laois before experienced a festival like none other.

“So we are delighted to announce that next year's dates are September 4/5/6 2026, again, it’s being held on the first weekend in September,” she said.

“Next year’s Homecoming is going to be another huge celebration of all things Laois!

“We already have some very special guests lined up, while also keeping the fabric of the festival in place, as everything worked so well,” she said.

So Trudi wants you to save the dates 2026 and keep an eye online at www. lovelylaoishomecoming.ie for regular updates.