NeuroArt Family Festival
Date: Saturday, 22 August 2026 • Location: Portlaoise, Laois •
Event Time: 11 am – 5 pm
Feel the Energy.
Share the Moment.
Join the Community.
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
Our festival is a warm, creative and inclusive event for people of all ages and abilities. It’s a place where families, children, teens and adults can explore art, music, movement, sensory-friendly activities and outdoor fun - all at their own pace.
We celebrate neurodiversity and encourage everyone to take part in ways that feel comfortable for them. Some activities are calm and sensory-friendly, while others are lively, playful or hands-on.
There will also be community talks, creative workshops, quiet zones, social spaces and opportunities to learn, connect and feel supported.
We’re truly happy to welcome everyone - come join us and be part of a warm, supportive, and joyful community.
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
Our festival is a warm, creative and inclusive event for people of all ages and abilities. It’s a place where families, children, teens and adults can explore art, music, movement, sensory-friendly activities and outdoor fun - all at their own pace.
We celebrate neurodiversity and encourage everyone to take part in ways that feel comfortable for them. Some activities are calm and sensory-friendly, while others are lively, playful or hands-on.
There will also be community talks, creative workshops, quiet zones, social spaces and opportunities to learn, connect and feel supported.
We’re truly happy to welcome everyone - come join us and be part of a warm, supportive, and joyful community.
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
Inclusive for All
Activities designed for children, teens and adults.
Creative & Hands-On
Workshops, art, movement and outdoor experiences.
Sensory-Friendly Options
Quiet spaces and calming activities for anyone who needs them.
Live Performances
Music, storytelling and community-led shows.
PROGRAMME AND ACTIVITIES
Art, music, movement & storytelling for all ages
Dive into hands-on creative spaces where everyone — children, teens, and adults — can explore art, music, movement, theatre, and sensory play at their own pace. Each zone offers simple, flexible, and fully inclusive activities guided by local artists and neurocreatives.
- Visual Arts Zone — Painting, collage, clay modelling, and mixed-media creations.
- Movement & Dance Zone — Inclusive dance jams, gentle guided movement, and expressive movement storytelling.
- Theatre & Story Zone — Improvisation games, puppet-making, sensory storytelling.
- Recycle Zone — Creative reuse activities, dress-up swap, embroidered scarves, homemade bean bags.
- Digital & Media Zone — Stop-motion animation and VR creative experiences.
Shows, music, dance & community voices
Short live performances throughout the festival, highlighting the talent and diversity of local artists and neurodiverse performers.
- Musical performances
- Dance pieces
- Spoken word and storytelling
- Inclusive theatre moments
- Spotlight sessions for neurodiverse artists and community groups
Let’s create something together
Large-scale collaborative activities where everyone contributes to something meaningful and expressive.
- Community Mural — A shared artwork created by festival visitors.
- Storytelling Chain — A collective story built one piece at a time.
- Group Rhythm Jam — A collective drumming and rhythm session performed throughout the day.
Safe, calm environments to relax & reset
Dedicated spaces designed with neurodiverse needs in mind - quiet, supportive zones where visitors can recharge and feel comfortable.
- Quiet sensory-friendly rooms with soft lighting and tactile materials.
- Messy play corner and tactile exploration activities.
- Noise-cancelling options.
- Visual schedules & guides .
Eat, unwind & connect
Relaxed areas to take a break, enjoy food, and spend time with family, friends, or new connections.
- Local food vendors.
- Family-friendly & allergy-aware menus.
- Sensory-considerate options.
- Picnic areas and open seating spaces.
MEET OUR PARTICIPANC

Maria Corcoran
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.

Matthew Pellicano
Join Matthew for a warm, sensory-friendly music session filled with gentle acoustic sounds and accessible percussion instruments. His workshop invites people of all ages and abilities to explore rhythm through hand drums, xylophones, chimes, and community drumming — no experience needed. A calming, multi-sensory experience that celebrates neurodiversity, confidence, and joyful connection.

Linda Gyves
Join Linda Gyves for a calm, creative, and inclusive art experience where children are invited to explore clay as a sensory, child-led medium. With a focus on flexibility and neuro-affirming practice, Linda creates a safe and supportive space where every child can express themselves freely and at their own pace. Her sessions encourage creativity, emotional regulation, and confidence through hands-on, playful making.

Stevie Wicks
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.
Kodjo (Isac) Kossivi
Join Kodjo for an imaginative, culturally rich mask-making experience rooted in connection, identity, and community expression. Kodjo invites participants to explore who they are through playful creativity and hands-on making. His workshop celebrates heritage, belonging, and the many ways we express ourselves beyond words — welcoming all ages and abilities to create something meaningful together.
Bravehearts Club Portarlington
Visit the Bravehearts Club Portarlington desk to learn about their inclusive, community-based programme supporting people of all ages and abilities. The club offers adaptive sports and playful physical activities designed to build confidence, coordination, and enjoyment at every level.
Fergal O'Connor
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.
Beta Franca
Join Beta Franca for a creative, hands-on workshop where children are invited to explore the art of upcycling through transforming pre-loved scarves into unique pieces of wearable art. Rooted in the spirit of the My Brat Bhride project, this playful and inclusive session celebrates creativity, tradition, and community, making art accessible and enjoyable for all ages and abilities.
Laois Sports Partnership
With Laois Sports Partnership, you will discover inclusive, fun-filled sports activities designed for all ages and abilities. Their team delivers adaptive games, movement challenges, and team-based activities that build confidence, celebrate ability, and encourage everyone to get active together. With supportive, trained coaches and all equipment provided, participants can try something new.
Eoin Seamus
Join Eoin for an electrifying street-dance experience that blends popping, locking, animation, and pure funk. With over 15 years of global battle and performance experience, Eoin brings his signature style, rhythm, and showmanship to the festival.
AVII KNIGHT
Join AVII KNIGHT (Aoibheann McKnight) as she closes the festival with an energetic live performance full of rhythm, emotion, and uplifting presence. Her debut single “Lose in Love” blends catchy pop sounds with honest storytelling about ADHD, creativity, and self-acceptance. Come ready to sing along and learn the chorus of this powerful anthem that celebrates embracing your own mind and individuality.
Maureen Culleton
Maureen Culleton leads a joyful celebration of Irish dance, music, and community spirit in a warm and welcoming setting. Known for making traditional dance accessible to all ages and abilities, she guides participants through simple céilí and set dances with clear, step-by-step instruction. These inclusive sessions focus on gentle movement, fun, and connection, creating a relaxed space where everyone can build confidence.
Midlands Science
Get ready to experiment, explore, and create! Midlands Science is bringing their ultimate STEM discovery experience to our festival. Packed with interactive stations, this completely hands-on activity lets young explorers get up close with everything from pop-up ecology and robotics to safe, messy lab experiments. This highly engaging zone is designed to inspire the next generation of innovators, thinkers, and dreamers.
Maria Corcoran
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.
Matthew Pellicano
Join Matthew for a warm, sensory-friendly music session filled with gentle acoustic sounds and accessible percussion instruments. His workshop invites people of all ages and abilities to explore rhythm through hand drums, xylophones, chimes, and community drumming — no experience needed. A calming, multi-sensory experience that celebrates neurodiversity, confidence, and joyful connection.
Linda Gyves
Join Linda Gyves for a calm, creative, and inclusive art experience where children are invited to explore clay as a sensory, child-led medium. With a focus on flexibility and neuro-affirming practice, Linda creates a safe and supportive space where every child can express themselves freely and at their own pace. Her sessions encourage creativity, emotional regulation, and confidence through hands-on, playful making.

Maria Corcoran
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.

Matthew Pellicano
Join Matthew for a warm, sensory-friendly music session filled with gentle acoustic sounds and accessible percussion instruments. His workshop invites people of all ages and abilities to explore rhythm through hand drums, xylophones, chimes, and community drumming — no experience needed. A calming, multi-sensory experience that celebrates neurodiversity, confidence, and joyful connection.
Linda Gyves
Join Linda Gyves for a calm, creative, and inclusive art experience where children are invited to explore clay as a sensory, child-led medium. With a focus on flexibility and neuro-affirming practice, Linda creates a safe and supportive space where every child can express themselves freely and at their own pace. Her sessions encourage creativity, emotional regulation, and confidence through hands-on, playful making.
Stevie Wicks
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.
Kodjo (Isac) Kossivi
Join Kodjo for an imaginative, culturally rich mask-making experience rooted in connection, identity, and community expression. Kodjo invites participants to explore who they are through playful creativity and hands-on making. His workshop celebrates heritage, belonging, and the many ways we express ourselves beyond words — welcoming all ages and abilities to create something meaningful together.
Bravehearts Club Portarlington
Visit the Bravehearts Club Portarlington desk to learn about their inclusive, community-based programme supporting people of all ages and abilities. The club offers adaptive sports and playful physical activities designed to build confidence, coordination, and enjoyment at every level.
Fergal O'Connor
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.
Beta Franca
Join Beta Franca for a creative, hands-on workshop where children are invited to explore the art of upcycling through transforming pre-loved scarves into unique pieces of wearable art. Rooted in the spirit of the My Brat Bhride project, this playful and inclusive session celebrates creativity, tradition, and community, making art accessible and enjoyable for all ages and abilities.
Laois Sports Partnership
With Laois Sports Partnership, you will discover inclusive, fun-filled sports activities designed for all ages and abilities. Their team delivers adaptive games, movement challenges, and team-based activities that build confidence, celebrate ability, and encourage everyone to get active together. With supportive, trained coaches and all equipment provided, participants can try something new.
Eoin Seamus
Join Eoin for an electrifying street-dance experience that blends popping, locking, animation, and pure funk. With over 15 years of global battle and performance experience, Eoin brings his signature style, rhythm, and showmanship to the festival.
AVII KNIGHT
Join AVII KNIGHT (Aoibheann McKnight) as she closes the festival with an energetic live performance full of rhythm, emotion, and uplifting presence. Her debut single “Lose in Love” blends catchy pop sounds with honest storytelling about ADHD, creativity, and self-acceptance. Come ready to sing along and learn the chorus of this powerful anthem that celebrates embracing your own mind and individuality.
Maureen Culleton
Maureen Culleton leads a joyful celebration of Irish dance, music, and community spirit in a warm and welcoming setting. Known for making traditional dance accessible to all ages and abilities, she guides participants through simple céilí and set dances with clear, step-by-step instruction. These inclusive sessions focus on gentle movement, fun, and connection, creating a relaxed space where everyone can build confidence.
Midlands Science
Get ready to experiment, explore, and create! Midlands Science is bringing their ultimate STEM discovery experience to our festival. Packed with interactive stations, this completely hands-on activity lets young explorers get up close with everything from pop-up ecology and robotics to safe, messy lab experiments. This highly engaging zone is designed to inspire the next generation of innovators, thinkers, and dreamers.
Maria Corcoran
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.
VOLUNTEER WITH US
Our volunteers are at the heart of the festival.
There are many ways you can get involved!
Event Support
Help with the event
operations and logistics.
Creative Assistance
Support workshops
and creative activities.
Accessibility Support
Help create an inclusive
and welcoming environment.
JOIN AS FOR FESTIVAL 2026!
Be part of a creative, inclusive
and unforgettable experience.













