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Scoil Cholmcille Greencastle enjoy
Wainfest launch
25.09.18
THE children of 2nd and
3rd class from Scoil Cholmcille in Greencastle were
the stars at Friday’s special launch of the 2018
Wainfest Programme in the Inishowen Maritime Museum
and Planetarium.
Wainfest is Donegal’s Children’s Arts and Book
Festival and is developed each year by the talented
team in Donegal County Council’s Library Service.
The festival takes place from 6 - 14 October and
this year promises to be another ‘wild and wonderous’
adventure for the children of Donegal.
Speaking at the launch, Cultural Services Manager in
Donegal County Council Eileen Burgess explained how
the festival has developed since its first inception
back in 1996 saying “Wainfest has grown beyond our
own expectations. From meager beginnings in 1996, to
2018 and a festival curated especially for children
with 111 schools events and 40 family events”.
“Since its inception Wainfest has proved its ability
to engage, enlighten and involve children in high
quality cultural events in their locality. In the
last number of years we have expanded the festival
to include a family programme available in the
evenings and weekends so that working families can
enjoy everything that Wainfest has to offer”. |
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Pictured at the launch of Wainfest
2018 in the Inishowen Maritime Museum on Friday,
September 21, is Cllr Seamus O’Domhnaill,
Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Eileen
Burgess, Donegal County Council, Cllr. Martin Farren,
Cathaoirleach of Inishowen MD with children from 2nd
and 3rd Class of Scoil Cholmcille, Greencastle. |
Cllr Martin Farren,
Cathaoirleach of Inishowen MD talked of his delight
in having the launch in the beautiful village of
Greencastle on the banks of the Foyle saying “the
theme of Wainfest this year is ‘Wild and Wondrous’
and what better place to launch this year’s festival
than in the beautiful Inishowen Maritime Museum and
Planetarium”.
Wainfest has grown in popularity especially in the
last number of years. In 2017 audience figures
increased by 104% to over 7,000 and it is expected
that these audience figures will be exceeded in
2018. Cllr Seamus O’Domhnaill who officially
launched this year’s programme said “I am
overwhelmed by the number of events, over 150, the
largest festival to date. Children across Donegal
will have an opportunity to meet high profile
authors, enjoy lively theatre productions, learn
digital skills, be enthralled by wonderful
storytellers and learn about our rivers and the sea.
There is even an opportunity to board the Hogwarts
express!”
The Cathaoirleach had a special word of thanks for
Daíre Harley and Eve Cavanagh from Scoil Cholmcille.
Daíre performed the Master of Ceremonies for the
launch and Eve Cavanagh recited a beautiful poem. He
also thanked author Malachy Doyle for his wonderful
inspirational storytelling workshop with the
children of Scoil Cholmcille before the launch
event.
For more on what’s on during Wainfest visit
www.wainfest.ie
or pick up a programme from your local library or
council office.
To view more photos of
the launch click here . |
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