Wainfest, Donegal’s arts and book festival for children launched its 25th programme at the weekend.
The event runs from 2nd to 10th October and has an amazing line-up of the very best in children’s cultural programming.
This year’s theme, ‘Blaze a Trail’ is a nod to one of Donegal’s most famous sons.
Born into Irish royalty, Colmcille, also known as Columba or Columb, was destined to do great things.
As part of Donegal County Council’s Colmcille1500 programme, the festival is proud to showcase his legacy and legend through its dynamic and varied line-up.
The festival was launched by Leas-Chathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Martin McDermott, in The Colmcille Centre, Gartan, with the help of senior students from Gartan National School.
Live family events include the return of Oakfield Park’s Harry Potter Experience, events with Spraoí in Inishowen, film screenings at an Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair and Eclipse Cinemas at Lifford- Strabane and Bundoran.
An Grianán Theatre will stage A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings, and Donegal County Museum will display their exhibition Colmcille: Man and Myths.
Glenveagh will have a self-guided art trail, and Donegal Railway Heritage Centre will host a heritage day for families.
There is also an opportunity to explore nature with Éanna Ní Lamhna in Inishowen. All events will comply with public health guidance.
Speaking at the launch, Cllr McDermott commended library staff.
“Once again the Culture Division have delivered a fantastic line-up of events in a way that ensures fun in a safe environment,” he said.
“The festival is celebrating 25 years in Donegal and has managed to go from strength to strength during a global pandemic. It has harnessed all the opportunities online programming can bring to schools and families, along with enabling a safe return to live events. Providing access to culture, creativity and imagination was part of the collective response to helping our communities get through the pandemic. Thanks to the Council’s longstanding, dedicated and experienced Culture Division for delivering excellent educational programmes such as Wainfest”.
The schools programme is packed full of amazing events such as John D. Ruddy, the talented and hilariously funny Wayne O’Connor, Pamela Butchart author of The Spy Who Loved School Dinners, Rachel Bright author and illustrator of picture books such as Love Monster, and Donegal’s up-and-coming author Louise Flanagan of the Dragonterra series.
The festival also has an event aimed at parents and guardians.
Best-selling author and Clinical Psychologist Dr. Malie Coyne will deliver an online talk on how to show compassion and support for an anxious child
Speaking about the festival, Wainfest Co-ordinator, Denis McGeady, assured schools that they will receive an electronic copy of the brochure.
The programme is also available to download at www.wainfest.ie
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