2021 - 2026
A 6 Year Legacy
Six chapters. Four locations. Over 400 artists. From a 120-person gathering in 2021 to a 750-capacity festival at our permanent home in Ballinderry Park - still intimate, still independent, still community-built.
CHAPTER 1 · 2021
Chapter One - The Beginning
ÉLG was founded in 2021 with around 120 people - a small gathering of wild hearts, artists, dreamers and dancers in the west of Ireland. The first sparks of 'Escape With Love'.
CHAPTER 2 · 2022
Chapter Two - Finding Our Feet
Year two and the festival grew - still intimate, still independent, still funded entirely by the community. Word started to spread beyond Galway.
CHAPTER 3 · 2023
Chapter Three - The Co-Creation Years
More stages, more parades, more participation. The line between performer and audience blurred further - people arriving as strangers and leaving as family.
CHAPTER 4 · 2024
Chapter Four - On the Move
Four locations in five years and still growing. A founding chapter for new stages, new art installations and a deepening commitment to sustainability and Leave No Trace.
CHAPTER 5 · 2025
Chapter Five - A Permanent Home
ÉLG arrives at Ballinderry Park - a 300-year-old estate surrounded by ancient oak trees, 45 minutes from Galway city. After four locations in five years, we've found our home.
CHAPTER 6 · 2026
Chapter Six - 750 Strong
Capacity 750. Over 400 artists across six chapters. New benches, fencing and a stage crafted from fallen oaks on the estate. Mad Professor, Octave One and Axel Boman B2B Mano Le Tough headline.
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