Christmas festival van brings joy to Louth care homes
By ArdeePost Reporter
Festival in a Van Brings Christmas Cheer to Residential Care Homes Across Louth
A travelling celebration of music, stories, and festive warmth
Christmas arrived early for residents of care homes across County Louth as Festival in a Van delivered its enchanting seasonal programme A Christmas Tapestry to six residential care settings this December. The mobile arts initiative brought live music, storytelling, and festive spirit directly to those who may otherwise struggle to access cultural events.
The tour was delivered in partnership with the Arts Office of Louth County Council and funded by Creative Ireland, whose shared goal is to bring high-quality arts experiences into local communities.
A magical tapestry of song and storytelling
Pulling up right to the front doors of each nursing home, A Christmas Tapestry featured an impressive line-up of performers who transformed car parks and courtyards into intimate Christmas venues filled with warmth and wonder.
Residents were treated to performances by:
- Sonaírí, featuring soprano Aimée Dyer and tenor David Corr, whose rich harmonies brought classic Christmas melodies to life
- Storyteller Steve Lally, sharing captivating seasonal tales steeped in folklore and tradition
- Traditional musicians Róisín Ward Morrow and Breifne Holohan, who lifted spirits with lively tunes and nostalgic airs
The blend of music and storytelling created a uniquely joyful atmosphere—one that resonated deeply with both residents and staff.
Bringing the arts to those who need them most
Festival in a Van was created with a simple mission: to bring live performance directly to communities that face barriers to accessing the arts. From care homes to rural villages, direct-provision centres to community groups, the organisation ensures that the transformative power of music, stories, and creativity is available to everyone.
Director Jackie Nowell spoke about the impact of the Christmas tour:
“Our aim has always been simple: to deliver the joy of live performance to people where they live. The impact we see—especially in care settings—is profound. You can feel the lift in the room. Music and stories bring people together, spark memories, and make a real difference to wellbeing.”
Care home staff praise uplifting experience
Staff in participating care homes said the visits created unforgettable moments for their residents.
At St Joseph’s Hospital, Ardee, Clinical Nurse Manager Swapna Varghese described the emotional impact:
“The residents absolutely loved it. You could see the change in their faces—happy, animated, engaged. It brought the spirit of Christmas into the building in such a beautiful way.”
From Curam Care Home, Dundalk, Activities Coordinator Elaine Murphy shared similar praise:
“It was wonderful to have the arts come right to our doorstep. The music and stories lifted everyone’s spirits—residents and staff alike. It was a truly special afternoon that stayed with people long after the van pulled away.”
Residents were equally enthusiastic, with several saying the performance had “brightened their day” and helped them feel included in the festive celebrations.
A Christmas programme with lasting impact
While the visit of Festival in a Van may last only an afternoon, staff across the region say the positive effects—joy, connection, conversation, and memory—endure far beyond the final note or story.
The initiative continues to demonstrate the extraordinary impact that accessible local arts can have on wellbeing, especially for older people and those in long-term residential care.
Learn more
For details on upcoming Festival in a Van tours and programmes, visit:
For information on the Creative Ireland Louth programme, see:
creativeireland.gov.ie/en/Louth/
