Lovely Laois Homecoming Festival attracts the stars
Mountrath woman Trudi Lalor helms the second edition of the Laois gathering
A star-studded line-up is promised over a weekend of entertainment as the clock counts down to the second edition of the Lovely Laois Homecoming Festival in September.
Mountrath Country Music star Trudi Lalor is once again spearheading the event, which she hopes will be a repeat of the 2025 inaugural event that she claims saw thousands of people return home to the O’Moore County for the weekend.
She is promising a festival packed full of music, literary events, and a Gala Dinner honouring well-known celebrities and well-deserved volunteers in our community, which Trudi adds is shaping up to be an even bigger event this year.
The programme features some household names in the Irish music scene alongside some songwriting workshops as well as Ceilí and Trad sessions throughout the county.
There will be afternoon community tea dances, a literary day event with art and photography exhibitions by Laois-based artists also on the menu.
The weekend features a Community Mass, free line dancing classes and an all-abilities family event.
“This will be another feel -good celebratory weekend of all things Laois,” said Trudi, who founded the event to reunite as many Laois people as possible together for one weekend, once a year, and to welcome all those who have made Laois their home, and those visiting Laois for the very first time.
She also felt it should be an opportunity to honour those who have flown the flag for Laois around the world, as well as those who have worked tirelessly, giving their best to benefit others in their communities.
“ I am absolutely thrilled with the response to this year,” said Trudi of the festival, which, with a small group of volunteers, will take place on the weekend of September 4,5,6.
“The Lovely Laois Homecoming Festival has been inundated with requests for information on this year’s dates and the many events that are taking place, with thousands of Laois natives returning home for the weekend to reconnect with their families and their communities.
“The huge array of talent we all witnessed over the homecoming celebrations last year was something I’d never seen before. The happiness, the joy and passion that resonated with all ages made the hard work and sleepless nights all worthwhile,” she said.
She is grateful for the support given to date. MORE BELOW PHOTO.
“The support from the people in my home county, and the financial assistance from some local businesses and entrepreneurs who believe in my vision , shows what we can do when we all strive and work together to spread joy, hope and positivity.
“This is not a profit-making project for me, and I don’t receive any local government or council funding. I just want to see my native county ring out with laughter and positivity all over the weekend, and the number of people who have never visited Laois before will experience a festival like none other again this year.
“So I am delighted to announce that this year’s dates are on the weekend of September 4th, 5th & 6th, so again it’s being held on the first weekend in September,” she said.
She is delighted with the guests confirmed. MORE BELOW PHOTO.
“I already have a full schedule of events confirmed and in place, with some very special and high-profile guests lined up, including our VIP Guest of Honour, Eileen Dunne ( formerly RTÉ) and last year's VIP recipient Professor Noel Fitzpatrick (Supervet ), who makes a very welcome return with his band again at this year’s Gala Dinner,” she said.
Eurovision winner Charlie McGettigan, Country Music star Sandy Kelly, Laois’s own Shawn Cuddy and Damian Bowe and The Luke Kelly Tribute are just some of the top names appearing over the weekend.
“This is also keeping with the fabric of the festival, which is inclusion and acknowledgement of our unsung heroes, which this year includes 4 more worthy recipients. This Homecoming Festival is for the people of Laois by the people of Laois,” said Trudi.
More details on all the activities online at www.lovelylaoishomecoming.ie where the full line-up of events is posted alongside regular updates.