This year’s Birr Young Voices project - Myths & Magic - delves into local and national folklore, exploring the little-known Irish mythology of the great River Shannon, which flows through Offaly and 10 other counties, in song and animation. The children (ranging in age from 8-13 years old) will work with filmmaker and animator Finn Nichol, exploring these stories, making drawings and paintings of the mythical river goddess Sionnan, and the monster Cata, as well as other magical figures in well-known folk tales. They will then use this artwork to produce animated and still visuals to be projected throughout their performance on Monday 5th May, in St. Brendan's Church of Ireland, Oxmantown Mall, during Birr Festival of Music 2025. With Grégory Ward, choral director, and Sophie Ward, pianist, they will choose and learn songs which connect and illuminate these tales.

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.