Contents
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................... 3
1: INSTALLATIONS ............................................................................................................................... 4
2: FLOATS .......................................................................................................................................... 10
3: COSTUMES .................................................................................................................................... 14
4: SHOWS .......................................................................................................................................... 22
4.1 WALKABOUT CHARACTERS ..................................................................................................... 22
4.2 SCRIPTED SHOWS .................................................................................................................... 26
5: PERFORMERS ................................................................................................................................ 27
5.1 PERFORMERS AND PARADES .................................................................................................. 28
CONTACT US ..................................................................................................................................... 29
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INTRODUCTION
When planning an event, big or small, you want to create an atmosphere that
people will remember. Whether you are planning a food market, community
parade or music festival, Buí Bolg has the expertise to provide eye-catching and
inspiring visuals with flexible packages designed to suit your budget.
Giant tentacles: from initial concept to reality
Buí Bolg has been working in street theatre and dressing for over 20 years both in
Ireland and abroad. Art Director Colm Lowney’s unique designs together with our
team of artists and technicians will add colour and spectacle to your event.
The topics covered in this brochure are:
Section 1 – Installations
Section 2 – Floats
Section 3 – Costumes
Section 4 – Shows
Section 5 – Performers
This brochure presents just some of the options available for your event. However,
if you have something particular in mind, feel free to call us to discuss your ideas.
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1: INSTALLATIONS
One of our giant bench installations at the Vieilles Charrues music festival in France.
Installations are a great way to add atmosphere and a sense of occasion to an event.
Fun, colourful and interesting, they allow your audience to see a familiar space
with new eyes.
Installations can be used for more practical purposes:
To demarcate areas within your event
To add drama to entranceways
To provide a focal point to underused or under-visited areas
As a reference point for your audience on a map
As a fun photo opportunity for social media
Some of our installation pieces require power. This can be provided from a mains
supply or from a generator. Buí Bolg can provide a power supply should you
require it.
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1.1 BENCHES
Our giant park benches are a people magnet! A perfect
place for photos with friends or just to sit back and relax.
Strong, durable and suitable for seating up to 20 people
at a time.
Dimensions:
2.5m high, 5m long, 2.5m deep
1.2 DECK CHAIRS
A perfect place for people to kick back and relax, our giant
deck chairs bring a taste of summer to any event. The
durable 8oz polyester canvas is suitable for holding up to
4 people at a time.
Dimensions:
2.5m high, 1.8m wide, 2.5m deep
1.3 GIANT TENTACLES IN A CRATE
An enormous and eye-catching creation of a size that
makes an impression wherever it goes. Ideal for a
sea/monster/science/fun themed event.
Dimensions:
Crate: 3.2m square, 2.6m high
Tentacles: 8m high, +5m outside crate
Notes:
Requires power
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1.4 INFLATABLE FLOWERS
Whatever the weather, these huge inflatables add colour
and spectacle.
Dimensions:
6m high, 2m wide, 2m deep
Notes:
Requires power
1.5.1 LARGE FLOWERS – 1.2m
Ideal for dressing lampposts and entrances or to add
some colour to fencing. These flowers come in a
bouquet spray in varying colours and styles.
Dimensions:
1.2m high
1.5.2 LARGE FLOWERS – 3m
Ideal for dressing lampposts and entrances or to add
some colour to fencing. These flowers come in a variety
of colours and styles.
Dimensions:
3m high
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1.6 FLOWERPOTS
These flowerpots with bright blue flowers are large
enough to make an impression, yet small enough to be
portable. Ideal for dressing stage areas or disguising
fencing.
Dimensions:
1.2 m high
1.7 OF LAND AND SEA
An automated, giant animatronic head with moving eyes
and mouth. Sounds of the sea emanate from the mouth
at intervals.
Dimensions:
4.5m high, 3m diameter
Notes:
Requires power
1.8 INFLATABLE BOTTLE
A giant brown, inflatable bottle. Inside contains a custom
built aerialists’ ring on which an aerialist can perform.
Stunning at night when lit from inside.
Dimensions:
6.5m high, 4m wide, 4.2m deep
Notes:
Requires power
Also available as a float
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1.9 SKULL
A large, sculpted human skull ideal for Halloween events
or, as pictured, for a Mexican style “day of the dead”.
Dimensions:
2m high
1.10 Butterflies
Selections of brightly coloured butterflies that can be
hung from trees or used to brighten up fencing. Colours
include orange (pictured), blue and purple.
Dimensions:
1m across
1.11 GIANT ROCK GUITAR
A stunning, sunburst-coloured electric guitar, wedged
neck first in the ground.
Dimensions:
7m high
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1.12 LARGE INSTRUMENTS
Oversized violins, accordions and bodhrán suitable for
mounting on fencing or walls.
Dimensions:
Violin – 2.4 m high
Accordion – 1.5 m high
Bodhrán – 1.5m diameter
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2: FLOATS
The hot air balloon at Patrick’s festival in Dublin
Our floats add height and scale to your parade. They are themed to match our
costumes to provide a focal point for different sections of a parade. They are also a
good base for carrying music, musicians, lighting or fire equipment.
Floats can either be pushed manually or pulled by a vehicle. The number of people
required to push any float is indicated in the “Notes” section. It is advisable that
these pushers are strong adults. Buí Bolg can provide people to push floats.
Power for each float comes from either a generator or an inverter. Buí Bolg will
look after any of the floats’ power requirements and provide a technician to
supervise the music and float pushers.
Some things to keep in mind when choosing a float are:
Are there any overhead obstacles, such as electrical lines or overhanging
trees, on the parade route?
What is the narrowest street on the parade route?
Will there be any cars parked on the route? This is very important as a
badly parked car can prevent floats from completing your parade.
Are there any tight turns on the route?
All of the following floats can also be used as installation pieces.
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2.1 BOOKS
A giant stack of encyclopaedias arranged like a building.
Dimensions:
5.54m high, 3.6m long, 3.1m wide
Notes:
Requires 6-10 people to push
2.2 BUTTERFLIES
A beautiful, bright, turning carousel of over 20 butterflies
on a wooden plinth.
Dimensions:
4m high, 3m wide, 3m long
Notes:
Requires 4 people to push
2.3 THE PUCA
An enormous, colourful, inflatable water serpent.
Dimensions:
7.5m high, 4m wide, 40m long
Notes:
The Puca is towed by a vehicle disguised by the front
wave
Please mention any tight turns on your parade route
when ordering the Puca
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2.4 HOT AIR BALLOON
A beautiful, Victorian inspired hot air balloon on a round
float base. The basket has room for up to 3 performers.
Dimensions:
5m high, 3m wide, 3m long
Notes:
Requires 4 people to push
2.5 PHOENIX
A flame red phoenix with outstretched wings, surrounded
by flames on a square float base.
Dimensions:
3.8m high, 3m wide, 3m long
Notes:
Requires 6 people to push
2.6 ICE CHAIR
A glittering ice throne on a round float base. This float is
ideal for Christmas as a chair for either Santa or Jack
Frost.
Dimensions:
3m long, 2.5m wide, 3m long
Notes:
Requires 4 people to push
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2.7 ANNA LIVIA
Based on the stone carving for the Anna Livia (river Liffey)
this large, stone-effect sculpture is surrounded by wheat
and fruits - ideal for harvest festivals.
Dimensions:
3.4m high, 2.5m wide, 3m long
Notes:
Requires 4 people to push
2.8 INFLATABLE RAINBOW
A bright rainbow inflatable on a float base.
Dimensions:
4.5m high, 3m wide, 5m long
Notes:
Requires 4 people to push
2.9 INFLATABLE SALMON
Large, inflatable, leaping salmon on a square float base.
Dimensions:
4m high, 2.5m wide, 3m long
Notes:
Requires 4 people to push
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3: COSTUMES
The beautiful butterfly costumes appearing at Patricks Festival Dublin 2014
Buí Bolg hire out costumes for parades in a broad range of sizes, colours and
themes that suit our floats. The costumes may come with props and headpieces
and these are listed in the description of the costume.
Many of our costumes are handmade ponchos. They fit easily over the performers
own clothes. However, the best effect is achieved if you can coordinate what they
wear underneath. We suggest that you ask all your performers to wear either all
black or all white.
Things to think about when you are hiring costumes:
What age/size are the participants?
What is the theme of your parade?
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3.1 BUTTERFLIES
Striking black and yellow costumes. A single kit contains a
black and yellow poncho, black feather beret and two
hand-held butterfly wings.
Quantity:
Up to 30 costumes available
Notes:
Suitable for ages 9+
Designed to match float 2.2 – Butterflies
Performers to wear blacks
3.2 JELLYFISH
Pink, purple and white jellyfish costumes consisting of a
poncho, white trousers and a beautiful pagoda style
umbrella with tentacles.
Quantity:
Up to 18 costumes available
Notes:
Suitable for ages 9+
3.3 CORAL
Get a taste of the seabed with these coral costumes. The
metallic blue poncho and trousers are enhanced by the
vibrant orange coral backpack and hand-held coral “fans”.
Quantity:
Up to 12 costumes available
Notes:
Suitable for ages 9+
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3.4 MARINERS
Black PVC coat with hood, goggles and harpoon prop.
Quantity:
Up to 12 costumes available
Notes:
Suitable for adults only
Performers to wear blacks
3.5 BUTTERFLY COLLECTORS
Victorian style butterfly collectors. Kit contains shirt,
waistcoat, shorts, safari hat and moustache.
Quantity:
Up to 12 costumes available
Notes:
Suitable for ages 12+
Up to 6 butterfly-net props available
3.6 SEAHORSES
Suitable for smaller children, these bright sea horses can
either be worn or carried.
Quantity:
Up to 5 costumes for wearing over your body
Up to 5 seahorses on poles for carrying
Notes:
Suitable for ages 7+
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3.7 FLYING PIGS
Pigs will fly! These porcine aviators come complete with
pig mask, flying scarf, brown jacket and brown flight
trousers.
Quantity:
Up to 5 costumes available
Notes:
Suitable for ages 13+
Silver airplanes also available for hire
3.8 APHIDS
Adorable, bright, bug-eyed aphids suitable for younger
children. Kit includes green underclothes, carapace
backpack and big head.
Quantity:
Up to 10 costumes available
Notes:
Suitable for ages 7+
3.9 BLUE SEA
With up to 60 of these costumes available, it’s a great way
of creating a big block of colour within your parade. A
varying selection of short trousers, shirts, tops and tights
in matching styles and colours.
Quantity:
Up to 60 costumes available
Notes:
Suitable for ages 8+
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3.10 AUTUMN LEAVES
Russet coloured leaf backpack with matching hat and
brown under-cloak.
Quantity:
Up to 12 costumes available
Notes:
Suitable for ages 12+
3.11 FIRE
This fiery ensemble comes complete with fire backpack
and long red tunic.
Quantity:
Up to 8 costumes available
Notes:
Suitable for ages 14+
3.12 KISSES
Costume comprises black top, red waistcoat, red-lips skirt,
black net under-skirt, red tights and a lip-motif hairclip.
Quantity:
Up to 8 costumes available
Notes:
Suitable for ages 10+
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3.13 SEASHELLS
Costume comes with red top, metallic red shell skirt with
matching hair band and seashell bodice.
Quantity:
Up to 5 costumes available
Notes:
Suitable for ages 8+
Performers to wear blacks
3.14 WASPS
A costume with a sting in its tail! Black and yellow striped
coat, gloves, stinger and helmet.
Quantity:
Up to 6 available
Notes:
Suitable for adults only
Performers to wear blacks
3.15 RAINDROPS
Sing in the rain with this kit containing blue costume,
goggles, neck-splash and raindrop umbrellas.
Quantity:
Up to 8 costumes available
Notes:
Suitable for ages 9+
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3.16 FERNS
Costume consists of black poncho and bright-green fern
backpack.
Quantity:
Up to 12 costumes available
Notes:
Suitable for ages 9+
Performers to wear blacks
3.17 INFLATABLE JUMPERS
Inflatable, Nordic style jumpers with oversized collars.
Quantity:
Up to 10 costumes available
Notes:
Suitable for ages 14+
Require batteries (supplied)
3.18 OAK LEAVES
Costume comprises green top, flared skirt and oak-leaf
bodice.
Quantity:
Up to 8 costumes available
Notes:
Suitable for ages 9+
Performers to wear blacks
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3.19 WHITE LIGHTS
Beautiful at night, these costumes consist of white
trousers, white top with lights and umbrella with lights.
Quantity:
Up to 10 costumes available
Notes:
Suitable for ages 9+
Require batteries (supplied)
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4: SHOWS
The Chancy Show performing at Spitalfields Market in London
Buí Bolg can provide you with professional performers experienced in the art of
street theatre. Together with our costumes, they help enliven the atmosphere of
any event. There are primarily two types of shows available:
4.1 Walkabout characters
4.2 Scripted shows
4.1 WALKABOUT CHARACTERS
Walkabout characters normally perform in pairs. They have no fixed script or
stage and roam freely about your event. They interact with the public in character,
providing colour and comedy.
The shows described below, use two of the same characters at a time, but feel free
to mix and match the characters to suit your event.
A steward from Buí Bolg accompanies the walkabouts. The stewards’ job is to
dress the performers, keep an eye on them during their performance and liaise with
you about where and when you want them to perform.
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4.1.1 DANCING FISH
This pair of leaping salmon perform a wonderful sean nos
styled dance. They’ll dance with anyone so put your fishing
rods away and get your dancing shoes out.
4.1.2 FIDDLING FOXES
This sly pair is always on the lookout for a free lunch.
Whether it be trying to steal sweets from children or bikes
from railings, you better have your wits about you when the
foxes are around.
4.1.3 NESTING DUCKS
It’s nesting time and Mr and Mrs Mallard are house hunting.
Can they find the perfect spot to keep their egg safe?
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4.1.4 OLD GOATS
These two old timers have seen it all. There’s nothing
they don’t know and nothing they won’t eat! Take heed
of their wise old sayings, but keep an eye on your
lunch...this wily pair are quicker (and hungrier!) than they
look.
4.1.5 ENCHANTED SWANS
Based on the children of Lír, these beautiful mystical
creatures bring grace and elegance to the streets with
their magical presence.
Notes:
This walkabout requires stilt walkers
4.1.6 BULL & QUEEN MAEDBH
Queen Maedbh has fought long and hard for her prized
bull. He follows her wherever she goes, but is he as
strong and brave as he’s cracked up to be?
Notes:
This walkabout requires a stilt walker
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4.1.7 THE THREE AMIGOS
Fighting injustice wherever they find it (and they find it a
lot!), these three friends have sworn an oath to protect
the innocent, punish the guilty and sing whenever they
can!
4.1.8 GARDAÍ ON HORSEBACK
You can’t miss these high-viz characters. Whether it’s
producing tickets for “pram licence evasion” or “walking
with intent”, no crime goes unpunished when this crack
unit hits the streets.
4.1.9 CHRISTMAS TREES
Our realistic, decorated Christmas trees love to sneak up
on people. Perfect for any Christmas event.
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4.2 SCRIPTED SHOWS
Scripted shows differ from walkabouts in that they have a fixed area of
performance, a script and are of a fixed duration. They do not rely on
improvisation as walkabouts do.
Scripted shows are a great way of attracting a crowd to a certain area at a particular
time. A small billboard is placed at the show site detailing the performance times
giving the audience a chance to plan their day.
4.2.1 CHANCY BROTHERS
These larger than life trad musicians are about to make it
big... but before they do, they have time for just one more
pint in Breda’s travelling bar.
Join long suffering landlady Breda, her loving husband
Mick and musicians Pat and Pat Chancy for a session of
music, craic and pints!
Running Time:
30 minutes
4.2.2 THE JOUST
Two medieval knights battle it out on horseback for the
hand of a fair princess while a minstrel sings about their
daring exploits.
Running Time:
30 minutes
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5: PERFORMERS
Performers add drama to an event. Whether they are interacting with the crowds
(as with our walkabout shows) or wowing audiences with fire performances,
performers act to increase the energy and interest of a crowd.
There are two types of performers:
Professional performers
Non professional/volunteers
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5.1 PROFESSIONAL PERFORMERS
Buí Bolg has formed relationships with many different types of performers over
the years. These include:
Drummers
Stilt walkers
Circus skills
Street theatre improvisation
Fire performers
Dancers
Brass Band
If you are interested in hiring any of the above for your event, please do not
hesitate to contact us.
5.2 NON PROFESSIONAL/VOLUNTEERS
Parades need participants. These generally come from local community groups
such as schools, sport clubs or an active retirement society. If there is a large
number of volunteers performing in your parade, hiring a professional performer
can increase the level of energy and excitement on the parade route. By assigning
one professional performer to each group, small, easy routines can be worked out
before the start of the parade. This will make your parade more interesting for
both audience and participants.
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CONTACT US
If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure or you would like to
discuss your own ideas, please feel free to contact us.
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: +353 53 9123183
Website: www.buibolg.com
Address: Buí Bolg, Whitemill Industrial Estate, Wexford, Co Wexford, Ireland
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