VIDEO: Púca Fest Day 2: Arrival of the Spirits lights up Trim and the Academic rock the Big Top

The trouble with ghosts is you never quite know when they're going to show up. So was the case last night as thousands of people lined the streets of Trim eagerly awaiting the Arrival of the Spirits - the procession to offically launch the 2022 Púca Festival.

When they did make their appearance, mercifully under clear skies and a beautiful crescent moon, they did so in spectacular style.

Departing from the OPW building to Castle St, the theatrical Samhain procession, led by the Hit Machine Drummers weaved its way through the streets of Trim, the eerily illuminated castle making for a magical backdrop.

A call for volunteers from the local community to become part of the procession was loudly answered with dozen of happy participants bearing light torches in the parade which was devised by Luxe Landscape Theatre.

There was some frustration in the crowd, with the route outlined on the Púca Festival website not reaching everyone's attention. Many parade goers including families with young children found themselves lined up between the castle and Trim Garda station, not aware the procession would be turning down by Trim Castle Hotel.

A delay to the start of the procession that organisers said was down to the sheer volume of people on the streets was compounded by a lack of communication with flustered stewards who were unable to explain the hold-up to parents of young children trying to keep warm as temperatures dipped.

In a statement to Meath Chronicle, Púca Festival organisers acknowledged some of the problems encountered last night and said they had been taken aback by the sheer number of people who had come out to see the Arrival of the Spirits.

"Last night’s Púca Festival ‘Arrival of the Spirits’ opening procession took place in Trim, attracting extraordinary numbers, beyond our expectations, to line the streets and enjoy the spectacle.

"The procession route map is displayed on the festival website, directional signage was in place and stewards were on the ground to assist visitors. However, the high volume of people on site led to the parade commencing later than planned.

"The organisers of Púca Festival regret any inconvenience or disappointment these events have caused. The feedback we have received today will help us in our planning and communication around the remainder of the programme and for future events. We are grateful for all the support and feedback and aim to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment at all times."

Later, and over the river, waterproof boots or wellies were de rigeuer for those attending Saturday's headliners, the Academic, not just for the conditions, but for some serious foot stomping as the four piece from Rochfortsbridge, just over the border, roared through a blistering set in the Púca Big Top Stage.

The festival team working at the Porchfields site worked wonders with the sodden ground, after another day of rain. Straw was liberally applied to the areas of most footfall and once the right footwear was worn, (white runners are a definite no-no, guys) the terrain was more negotiable.

Volunteers and staff in the carparks too were heroic in keeping traffic moving with the odd push required to help vehicles gain traction in muddying entry and exit lanes. The Porchfields will need a great deal of rest after all of this!

Following on from another great show on Friday when Imelda May held got down with the "goths and bones in the home of Halloween", the Academic too, delighted a slightly younger audience with the Indie act banging out hits such as 'Why Can't We Be Friends?', Mixtape 2003 and 'Anything Could Happen' and announcing the arrival of a new album, Sitting Pretty, on 10th February next year.

"The energy in here is incredible and we just want to thank the Puca Festicval for pulling off an amazing event" said lead singer Craig Fitzgerald, appropriately dressed in his dad's 70's Elvis costume ("my dad is an Elvis impersonator"). The Academic were supported by Sorcha Richardson.

Earlier in the day, Gluais musicians and singers from Scoil Mhuire, Trim, Co Meath directed by music teacher Mr Mícheál Kerr put on a superb free show on the Boann Stage at Trim Castle.

There were self guided Treasure Hunts, Jack O Lantern’s Food & Craft Market Déise Traditional Village Experience at Trim Castle as well as Banshee Bingo Hall during the day also

The Pyro Collective Fire Show scheduled for Trim had to be postponed until this evening (Sunday) due to unforeseen circumstances.

David O'Doherty and guests provided the laughs on the Boann stage last night while Jerry Fish's Electric Sideshow Cabaret was a huge draw to the Morrigan stage.

Today, Sunday, sees Gavin James headlining the Big Top Púca venue, with comedians Jason Byrne, Stephen Mullen and Emma Dornan providing the giggles on the Boann stage, while Blindboy Boatclub's sold out podcast show takes place in Trim Castle.

In Athboy, Candlelit Tales with brother-sister storytelling duo Aron and Sorcha Hegarty is definitely worth checking out while the Sorcas na Samhna – Celtic Circus, on Athboy's Fair Green promises creepy cabaret, hair raising high wire acts, burlesque and sideshow elements, fire performances and much, much more.

All info for events and ticketing can be found here