Light Moves Festival of Screendance – Limerick, Ireland 2025

Background & History

The Light Moves Festival of Screendance, launched in 2014, is Ireland’s only festival dedicated to dance on film, returning for its 8th edition from November 6–8, 2025, in Limerick City, Ireland. Produced by Dance Limerick and supported by the Arts Council, Limerick City and County Council, and the University of Limerick, it attracts global filmmakers, dance artists, and audiences.

Curated by Jürgen Simpson and Jessie Keenan, the festival showcases over 100 screendance works, workshops, and performances across various venues, celebrating the fusion of dance, film, and media arts. Notable past works include ÉIST (MOV’IN Cannes Grand Prix, 2023). The festival fosters innovation through initiatives like Studio Light Moves and Open Futures, strengthening Limerick’s cultural scene as a UNESCO City of Literature.

Event Highlights

• Film Screenings: International and Irish screendance shorts (up to 15 minutes), mid-length films (up to 40 minutes), and feature-length works at Dance Limerick and other venues.
• Beyond Screen Platform: Performances, workshops, talks, and installations exploring dance and media arts, programmed across studios and public spaces.
• Awards: Prizes for Festival Award, Best Sound/Music, Outstanding Choreography, and Student Work.
• Masterclass Series: Professional development for filmmakers and dancers, led by industry experts.
• Open Call Exhibitions: Screendance Open Format proposals, showcasing innovative formats like podcasts and live performances.
• Live Performances: Dance and media arts events in unique Limerick venues.
• Family-Friendly Activities: Select screenings and workshops suitable for all ages.

City

• Limerick City, County Limerick, Ireland: Events across central venues, set against Limerick’s vibrant cultural landscape and River Shannon.

Main Event Address

• Various venues across Limerick City, with the primary venue at Dance Limerick, 1-2 John’s Square, Limerick, Co. Limerick, V94 T2K5, Ireland: Hosts most screenings, performances, and workshops; other venues include Belltable and University of Limerick.

Date & Duration

• Dates: November 6–8, 2025 (Thursday–Saturday).
• Duration: 3 days.

Venue / Location

Events span multiple Limerick City venues, with Dance Limerick as the primary hub:

• Dance Limerick: 1-2 John’s Square, V94 T2K5 (main screenings, performances, workshops).
• Belltable: 69 O’Connell Street, Limerick (additional screenings, talks).
• University of Limerick (DMARC): Plassey, Limerick (select screenings, masterclasses).
• Public Spaces: Outdoor or pop-up events for the Beyond Screen platform (details TBD).
• Note: Full venue schedule announced September 2025; check lightmoves.ie.

Contact Information

• Email: info@lightmoves.ie or lightmovescommunications@gmail.com (festival inquiries).
• Phone: +353 61 400 994 (festival inquiries).
• Website: www.lightmoves.ie
• Social Media: Follow @lightmovesfest on Instagram, Facebook, X.
• Address: Dance Limerick, 1-2 John’s Square, Limerick, Co. Limerick, V94 T2K5, Ireland (event inquiries, not ticketing).
• Ticketing: Purchase via www.lightmoves.ie or Eventbrite (search “Light Moves Festival 2025”).

Ticket Information

• How to Purchase: Buy online at www.lightmoves.ie or Eventbrite (search “Light Moves Festival 2025”). In-person tickets at Dance Limerick or Belltable (cash/card). Contact info@lightmoves.ie for group bookings or accessibility needs. No refunds; transfers via Eventbrite (check terms). Book early for festival passes, as events may sell out.
• 2025 Pricing (in USD, 1 EUR ≈ 1.12 USD, based on historical estimates):
  • Single Screening: €7 (~$7.84 USD).
  • Concession Screening (students/seniors): €5 (~$5.60 USD).
  • Full Festival Pass: €60 (~$67.20 USD, all screenings and events).
  • Concession Festival Pass: €45 (~$50.40 USD, for students/seniors).
  • Free Events: Select talks and public installations (details September 2025).
  • Kids (Under 12): Free for select family-friendly screenings with ticketed adult (supervision required).
• Additional Notes:
  • Prices are estimates; exact 2025 pricing will be announced in September 2025.
  • Festival pass includes Beyond Screen events and masterclasses.
  • Terms: Non-transferable for resale above face value; revocable for misconduct (e.g., disruptive behavior).

Cultural Significance

Light Moves, Ireland’s sole screendance festival, has elevated Limerick’s cultural profile since 2014 by bridging dance, film, and media arts. It showcases global talent, supports emerging artists through initiatives like Studio Light Moves and Open Futures, and engages diverse audiences with accessible venues and free events. Its partnerships with Dance Limerick, Limerick City Gallery of Art, and the University of Limerick foster innovation, while its economic impact boosts local tourism, aligning with Limerick’s UNESCO City of Literature status.

Food & Drinks

• Festival Venues:
  • Dance Limerick: Limited snacks and drinks (~$3–$7 USD).
  • Belltable: Café with coffee, pastries (~$3–$8 USD).
• Nearby Dining:
  • The French Table: 1 Steamboat Quay, Limerick (French cuisine, $15–$30 USD, 5-minute walk).
  • Cornstore: 19 Thomas Street, Limerick (steak, seafood, $15–$35 USD, 5-minute walk).
  • The Locke Bar: 3 George’s Quay, Limerick (pub fare, $10–$20 USD, 5-minute walk).
  • The Curragower: Clancy’s Strand, Limerick (seafood, $12–$25 USD, 10-minute walk).
  • Café Aroma: 3-4 Nicholas Street, Limerick (coffee, sandwiches, $5–$10 USD, 5-minute walk).
• Alcohol Policy: Available at nearby pubs (e.g., The Locke Bar); no outside alcohol at venues.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly:
  • Select screenings and workshops suitable for kids under 12, free with a ticketed adult (supervision required).
  • Family-oriented public installations in the Beyond Screen platform (details September 2025).
• Accessibility:
  • Dance Limerick and Belltable are wheelchair-accessible with ramps and elevators.
  • University of Limerick venues have partial access; public spaces vary.
  • Audio descriptions and ISL-interpreted screenings for select films (details September 2025).
  • Contact info@lightmoves.ie for accommodations or inquiries.
  • Free events enhance affordability.

Getting There

• By Air: Shannon Airport (SNN, 25 km, 25-minute drive); Dublin Airport (DUB, 200 km, 2.5-hour drive).
• Public Transport:
  • Bus: Bus Éireann Route 51 to Limerick Bus Station (5-minute walk to Dance Limerick).
  • Train: Irish Rail to Colbert Station (10-minute walk to Dance Limerick).
• By Car: Parking at Dance Limerick (John’s Square, ~€2/hour, $2.24 USD) or nearby Q-Park Harvey’s Quay (~$2.24 USD/hour).
• Rideshare: FreeNow or local taxis from SNN (~$20–$30 USD) or DUB (~$150–$200 USD).

Program Details (Based on 2024, Confirmed for 2025)

• Confirmed 2025 Events:
  • Film Screenings: November 6–8, Dance Limerick, Belltable, University of Limerick. Includes shorts (up to 15 minutes), mid-length films (up to 40 minutes), and features (>40 minutes).
  • Beyond Screen Platform: Performances, workshops, talks, and installations (e.g., debates, podcasts, live dance), various venues.
  • Awards Ceremony: Festival Award, Best Sound/Music, Outstanding Choreography, Student Work, venue TBD, November 8.
• Expected Events:
  • Masterclass Series: Professional development for filmmakers and dancers (~$7.84–$11.20 USD, included in festival pass).
  • Open Call Exhibitions: Screendance Open Format, showcasing innovative proposals like podcasts or live performances (details post-March 31, 2025).
  • Public Installations: Free outdoor or pop-up events in Limerick City.
  • Student Screenings: Works by MA-level students, free or ~$5.60 USD.
• Note: Full program and ticket prices announced September 2025; check lightmoves.ie.

Past Notable Performances

• 2024 Highlights: Writhe by Péist and Aoibhinn O’Dea; Studio Light Moves with curators Laura Murphy and Jürgen Simpson.
• 2023 Highlights: ÉIST won the MOV’IN Cannes Grand Prix; awards for outstanding choreography and student films.
• Past Artists: Works by global screendance artists and local talents like Liz Roche Company.

Sustainability Initiatives

• Local Partnerships: Supports Limerick businesses and Dance Limerick.
• Waste Management: Recycling bins at venues; no glass bottles encouraged.
• Digital Focus: Online screenings in h264 1080p format reduce travel emissions.
• Note: 2025 sustainability details TBD; check lightmoves.ie.

Educational Impact

• Masterclass Series: Professional development for filmmakers and dancers, included in festival pass (~$67.20 USD).
• Student Screenings: Free or low-cost screenings for MA-level student works, fostering emerging talent.
• Beyond Screen Workshops: Exploratory sessions for artists, ~$7.84–$11.20 USD.
• Open Futures Residency: Biennial program for interdisciplinary dance and media artists, in partnership with Dance Limerick and University of Limerick.

Cultural Activities

• Studio Light Moves & Open Futures: Interdisciplinary residency for dance and media artists, presented by Studio Light Moves, with exhibitions or talks at Dance Limerick or Limerick City Gallery of Art (details post-March 31, 2025).
• Beyond Screen Platform: Live performances, talks, and installations (e.g., dance, podcasts), free or included in festival pass.
• Screendance Tours: Guided tours of Limerick’s cultural sites, ~$7.84 USD (book via lightmoves.ie).
• Public Installations: Free outdoor events in Limerick City, engaging local communities.
• Film Q&As: Post-screening discussions with filmmakers, included in ticket.

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Festival passes ($67.20 USD) and screenings ($7.84 USD) may sell out; book via lightmoves.ie in September 2025.
• Weather Prep: November in Limerick (40–50°F) is rainy; pack waterproofs and layers.
• Explore Locally: Visit King John’s Castle (5-minute walk, $10 USD) or The Hunt Museum (5-minute walk, $8 USD).
• Public Transport: Use Leap Card (~$10 USD) for Bus Éireann/rail.
• Festival Info: Check lightmoves.ie for digital schedules (no app).

Local Attractions

• King John’s Castle: Nicholas Street, Limerick (5-minute walk, $10 USD).
• The Hunt Museum: Rutland Street, Limerick (5-minute walk, $8 USD).
• People’s Park: Pery Square, Limerick (5-minute walk, free).
• Thomond Park Stadium: Cratloe Road, Limerick (10-minute drive, tours $10 USD).
• Milk Market: Mungret Street, Limerick (5-minute walk, free).

Accommodation Options

• Hotels:
  • The Savoy Hotel: Henry Street, Limerick ($100–$180 USD/night, 5-minute walk).
  • Absolute Hotel: Sir Harry’s Mall, Limerick ($90–$160 USD/night, 10-minute walk).
• B&Bs: No. 1 Pery Square, Pery Square, Limerick ($80–$140 USD/night, 5-minute walk).
• Hostels: Limerick City Hostel, Old Crescent, Limerick ($20–$50 USD/night, 10-minute walk).
• Airbnb: Limerick city apartments ($60–$120 USD/night).
• Booking Tip: Reserve 3–6 months in advance for the November peak.

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid at Dance Limerick; nearest hospital is University Hospital Limerick (10-minute drive).
• Security: Bag checks at venues; Garda presence; ticket revocation for violations.
• Health Protocols: Sanitizer stations; optional masks for indoor screenings.
• Weather Preparedness: Indoor venues ensure continuity; bring umbrellas for venue transitions.