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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”.
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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