Tonnta Ltd., Street Theatre and Community Arts Group was established in 1994 to answer a need for colour and entertainment in the St. Patrick's Day Parade and the Heineken River Festival held annually in Athlone. In the early days Tonnta Ltd., made great strides in gaining a good reputation on the entertainment circuit with Parades and Pageants and Fire Spectaculars. As a result of this performing in Athlone only ceased and performing in other venues around Ireland became the norm.

The next step was to perform abroad and the Notting Hill Carnival held annually in London was the aim. This was achieved in 1997when Tonnta Ltd. Became an associate member of Masquerade 2000, the largest carnival band in Europe. Tonnta Ltd. Is now on the design team and gives workshops in London and performs annually at the carnival.

Tonnta Ltd. has represented Ireland in the European People’s Festival in the following countries: Scotland, France, Portugal, Luxembourg, Greece and in Spain.

Tonnta Ltd. have been involved in a number of tv and film projects, recently in the film "Dead Meat"
© 2004 Three Way Productions Ltd.

"The goriest, funniest and most energetic zombie flick since Peter Jackson's Braindead"
Fangoria Mag

Television work has included Echo Island (presented by Mary Kingston) and reconstruction work for Crimeline.

Staff

Manger, Designer, Producer and Director-Sandy Hughes
Administration and personal Assistant-Mary Kilmartin
Workshop Assistant and Performer-Annette Clarke
Workshop Leader and Designer-Joanne Wade
Workshop Leader and Designer-Sandra O’ Neill

Tonnta Ltd. has a database of Volunteer Performers from Athlone and other areas.

Board of Directors

Kerry Sloane Chairman
Gerry Murphy Secretary

Siobhan Bigley
Grainne Monaghan
Nuala Hamilton
Lindsay Adamson

Sponsors

Dept. of Gaeltacht & Rural Affairs
Athlone Town Council
Westmeath County Council-County Arts Officer
ACT-Athlone Community Taskforce