Baboró children’s festival ticks all the right boxes

Organisers of the annual Galway Baboró International Arts Festival for Children (October 16-22) have reported a positive response to this year’s programme launched two weeks ago.

Ticket sales are very strong with significant interest across all shows from both schools and families. Early booking is advised.

The arrival of Baboró each October always brings a relaxed atmosphere into the city as thousands of children can be seen walking between venues.

Weekend shows are always hugely popular but organisers are reminding families that shows are also on offer on weekdays and make the perfect treat after a busy day at school.

All the way from Denmark there’s a beautiful show called World Images for ages 2-6 which brings audiences on a journey around the world using live music, projection and performance.

A live painting performance to music by Maurice Ravel and Claude Debussy combines visual arts with music in What Does Red Do on Thursday? for ages 4-8.

Bounce for ages 7+ is a sensitive and funny dance show featuring live music with plenty of climbing, playing, dancing and singing.

Wot? No Fish!! for ages 9+ from England’s Danny Braverman tells the wonderful true story of Braverman’s Great Uncle Ab and Great Aunt Celie bringing up their family in 20th century London. The show featured in the Guardian’s top ten theatre picks of 2014 and has been described as “a show about love that has been made with love” (The Guardian).

We Come From Far, Far Away for ages 10+ is set in a Mongolian yurt and explores the stories of refugees. We hear the story of Abdullah from Syria who has travelled a long way, mostly on this own. Performed in a small tent this is a big story told in a beautifully intimate way. With three family performances from Monday, Oct 16 to Wednesday, October 18, this show is well worth a visit.

■ Baboró offers performances for both the general public, families and schools. Full programme details are available at www.baboro.ie.