Barry Williams is an Integrative Holistic Therapist, Reflexologist, Reiki Practitioner, and Life Coach dedicated to supporting the wellbeing of both children and adults. He specialises in working with individuals with additional needs, including autism, ADHD, anxiety, sensory challenges, and emotional wellbeing concerns. Through a compassionate, person-centred approach, Barry helps clients find greater balance, relaxation, confidence, and overall wellbeing.

AVII KNIGHT is an emerging pop artist from Offaly whose music combines uplifting electronic pop with powerful storytelling. Her latest single, Lose in Love, explores life with ADHD through themes of self-acceptance, creativity, and resilience. Having performed at major Irish festivals, AVII is quickly establishing herself as one of Ireland's rising pop talents.

Join Maria for a gentle, playful roaming circus performance featuring stilt walking, unicycling, juggling and a healthy dose of mischief. Weaving through the crowd, Maria invites children and families to connect, play, and be silly together at their own pace.

The Laois Sports Partnership Disability Programme creates inclusive and accessible opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in sport and physical activity across County Laois. The programme supports individuals of all ages and abilities, promoting health, wellbeing, confidence, and social connection. Working with local communities, schools, disability services, and sporting organisations, it helps reduce barriers to participation and encourages lifelong involvement in physical activity. Through adapted activities and inclusive coaching, participants can develop skills, build friendships, and enjoy an active lifestyle in a welcoming environment.

Mrs. Appleberry Press was created by Cork children’s  author Marika Rea. She is an English language teacher with a background in Social Science. She is neurodivergent and creates storytelling work that celebrates neurodiversity and centers children as the heroes of their own stories. Her books are focused on the idea of being, not becoming—valuing who children already are rather than framing them through who they should become. Through imaginative, character-led stories, she highlights children who are often overlooked and places them at the centre of their own narratives.

For children who see the world in full colour. Mrs. Appleberry Press promotes self-love and being yourself because being yourself is like having a magic wand you never have to put down.

Matthew is an IACAT-registered music therapist, qualified teacher, and social worker with experience across community and clinical settings in Ireland and Malta. He supports vulnerable young people, including those in care and in addiction recovery, using a person-centred, trauma-informed approach.

A multi-instrumentalist, Matthew uses music as a flexible and accessible tool to

encourage self-expression, build confidence, and strengthen social connection. Since moving to Ireland, he has facilitated community music initiatives with children, refugees and people with mixed abilities.

Linda Gyves is a former teacher and an art facilitator. Linda creates inclusive, neuro-affirming spaces for children, specialising in clay as a sensory, child-led practice. Grounded in professional training and lived experience, Linda's sessions are fun, flexible, support creativity, regulation and confidence while ensuring every child feels safe, respected and free to express themselves.

Experience the healing power of rhythm in this inclusive community drumming session. Participants at the festival will play traditional djembe drums and percussion instruments together, creating shared rhythms that connect mind, body, and spirit. A welcoming, accessible activity where everyone can participate at their own pace. No experience necessary - all drums and adaptive supports provided. 

Kodjo (Isac) Kossivi is a socially engaged, multidisciplinary artist who works across sculpture, performance, and mask-making. Kodjo’s practice explores immigrant identity, cultural heritage, and his position as an artist in the community. A recent graduate from Limerick School of Art and Design, he is also the creative director of ‘top8streetdancebattle’ and ‘StateYourFlow’.

Join Mary for an informative and encouraging session for parents and families. With over 30 years of experience in learning support, dyslexia and literacy development, Mary shares practical guidance to help children build confidence and reach their full potential. Her approachable style focuses on recognising strengths, supporting individual learning needs and creating positive learning experiences for every child.

The Bravehearts Club is a weekly social inclusion and adaptive sports initiative that welcomes individuals of all ages and abilities. Operating as a core community pillar in Portarlington, the club creates an accessible, supportive, and active environment where people with physical, intellectual, or neurodiverse needs can build confidence, learn new skills, and form lasting friendships.

He is a dancer and DJ based near Limerick. He has been dancing for over 15 years and is the founder of “In Da Pocket Fam.”  A crew with some of the best funk style dancers in Ireland. He is also a representative of “Funk In Focus Fam” over in the US. Eoin specialises in popping, locking and animation dance. He mixes the styles to create a unique flavour filled with techniques, funk and of

course showmanship.

Eoin is regularly teaching street dance to the next generation in Ireland when he’s not travelling all over the world.

​Maureen Culleton is a renowned traditional Irish dance teacher, musician, and community arts advocate based in Ballyfin, Co. Laois. Often referred to locally as the county’s "dancing queen," she has spent decades promoting inclusive cultural heritage. She runs the An Seanchistin cultural hub and leads community initiatives like the Sing for Joy inclusive choir in Portlaoise. Maureen is highly celebrated for making Irish dancing accessible to all ages and abilities, specializing in traditional solo step dances, line dancing, and social céilí dances.

Midlands Science is a dedicated regional organization funded by Research Ireland (formerly Science Foundation Ireland) that delivers free Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) outreach across Laois, Offaly, Longford, and Westmeath. Their primary mission is to break down the barriers around science, making it fun, interactive, and relevant to everyday life. They host public forums, hands-on school workshops, and the annual Midlands Science Festival (held during national Science Week), engaging thousands of curious minds each year with innovative topics ranging from astronomy to biodiversity. 

David a graduate of the Dun Laoghaire Film Institute of Ireland, Animation Production Course, he has worked on several award-winning animation projects, including the BAFTA award-winning 'Sir Gawain and the Green Knight' for Channel 4. He has worked for Pfizer Ireland in Newbridge in various roles since joining them over 20 years ago in 2002.

He is involved with CelticCon Midland Comic Convention and the Port Art Collective for various creative events. He continues to work in film as a freelance producer for Frame It Productions and Songway Films.

We have the wonderful Miss Wicks joining us with her giant bubble wand! You'll also be able to catch her fluttering around the festival with colourful scented silks and double hula-hoops. 

Sure to be a sensory treat for all!

Shannon is a circus performer specialising in stilt walking. She also enjoys wire walking and aerial dance, bringing creativity, movement, and visual spectacle to her performances. At the festival, she will engage with visitors through a lively roaming stilt-walking performance.

Beta Franca is a Brazilian-born mixed media artist, illustrator, and designer who moved to Ireland in 2000. Beta is currently facilitating art sessions for members of Laois Down Syndrome

and collaborating with the ‘My Bhrat Bhride’ project. Beta is joyfully travelling around the country, meeting and working with Ireland's beautiful and diverse communities.