Hello Summer Festival brings Lithuanian community together in Mullingar
1,000 people gathered in Mullingar for the annual Hello Summer
Nearly 1,000 people gathered in Mullingar for the annual Hello Summer – Lithuanian Culture and Sports Festival, making this year's celebration the largest in the event's history.
Organised by the Mullingar Lithuanian Community, the festival attracted visitors from across Ireland and Northern Ireland, including Dungannon, Waterford, Galway, Monaghan, Dublin, Tullamore, Longford and many other towns. The strong turnout reflected the growing strength and unity of the Lithuanian community throughout the island.
The organisers acknowledged the generous support of sponsors Westmeath County Council and Avano Insurance Brokers, whose backing helped make the event possible. Special tribute was also paid to the dedicated organising committee, including Vilma and Mindaugas Griniai, Ricardas Vilkas, Daiva and Darius Kasikauskai, Alvita and Egidijus Petraičiai, Nilvita Tavorė, Olga and Nerijus Smilingiai, under the leadership of Mullingar Lithuanian Community Chairwoman Vita Vilkė.
Adding to the significance of the occasion was the attendance of Lithuania's Ambassador to Ireland, Jonas Grinevičius, whose presence highlighted the importance of maintaining strong connections between Lithuania and its diaspora communities.
The festival opened with a moving presentation of The Heart Flag for Lithuania, a community project introduced by Jūratė Airošė from Dungannon. Measuring more than six metres in length, the unique flag has been created from individually knitted pieces stitched together to symbolise unity, friendship and love for Lithuania.
The flag was carried into the festival by Suktinis, a Lithuanian folk dance group from Dublin led by Elona Šemetienė, alongside dancers from Spiečius, directed by Irma Jonutienė. Together, performers aged from six to over sixty showcased traditional Lithuanian dance, receiving a warm welcome from the large crowd.
One of the day's highlights was a performance by singer and presenter Diamond Vaida Narkevičiūtė, whose energetic hosting, powerful vocals and lively interaction with the audience created a festive atmosphere that kept visitors entertained throughout the day.
The packed programme offered something for all ages, combining cultural entertainment with sporting activities. Families enjoyed football matches, volleyball tournaments, relay races, sports competitions and laser tag organised by RG FunTime NI. More than 25 traders and exhibitors were also in attendance, offering a wide variety of food, crafts, products and services, creating a vibrant marketplace alongside the festival attractions.
Beyond the celebrations, the festival also demonstrated the generosity of the Lithuanian community. Fundraising took place in support of Airijos Lietuviams Rūpi, an organisation that assists Lithuanians in Ireland facing difficult circumstances.
Festival-goers also raised €1,000 for young Kajus, with organisers expressing heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed. They wished him continued strength and recovery, supported by the love of his family and the wider community.
Now firmly established as one of the largest annual gatherings of Lithuanians in Ireland, the Hello Summer Festival continues to grow each year, bringing together families, friends and community groups from across the country and Northern Ireland.
Organisers extended their sincere thanks to everyone who attended, volunteered, performed, sponsored, exhibited and supported the event. Their combined efforts helped create a memorable day celebrating Lithuanian culture, sport, friendship and community spirit, while strengthening the bonds that unite Lithuanians living across the island of Ireland.