Wainfest Children’s Arts and Book Festival coming soon

Wainfest, the Children’s Arts and Book Festival has just been launched and it promises an exciting time for children taking part from all over Donegal

The theme of this year’s festival, which is in its 27th year, is Our Planet, Our Home and pupils from Scoil Naisiunta Na Sraithe Moire and Gartan National School were immersed in nature as caothaoirleach Cllr Martin Harley lifted the lid on an awesome line up of events and activities.

This year’s festival, which was launched at the Outdoor Classroom at Glebe House and Gallery, Churchill is organised by Donegal County Council’s Culture Division. It aims to bring the children on a journey of discovery, creativity and wonder, as storytellers, scientists, authors, musicians and artists deliver a programme of events aimed at inspiring children to become stewards for our planet and explore new ways to contribute to climate action.

Wainfest aims to introduce children to new experiences and inspire curiosity and creativity Photo: Paul McGuckin

Fantastic family events this year include Forest Exploration and Seashore Exploration with NatureNorthwest, Beach Cleaning with Liquid Therapy and a planetarium show - Dynamic Earth: Exploring Earth’s Climate Engine at the Inishowen Maritime Museum & Planetarium, as well as a variety of other amazing activities.

There’s also an art competition open to all National School Age Children in Donegal, which invites children to explore and learn about native Irish animals and wildlife.

Speaking at the launch, Cllr Harley endorsed the theme of this year’s festival ‘Our Planet, Our Home’ as a testament to the council’s commitment to the environment and sustainability as outlined in its Climate Adaptation Strategy.

He praised the work of the council's Library Service in providing a free and accessible service for all, highlighting the fact that libraries offer knowledge, access to the internet, and entertainment through the vast array of books, diverse programmes and countless other resources that would otherwise be difficult to find or afford.

With over 100 free events across Donegal, from October 7-15, for schools and families, as well as an online programme, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Wainfest, which partners with a host of organisations across the county, is an all-inclusive festival which caters for the diverse interests and backgrounds of young minds across Donegal. There are ASD-only events, an abundance of Irish language events as well as Ukrainian language events taking place as part of this year’s festival. 

The school's programme, as expected, is packed full of unique events including a Mad Scientist Show, visits from renowned authors such as Oisin McGann, Gemma Breathnach and Nicola Pierce, local author Isla McGuckin, as well as performances from storytellers, artists and a host of interactive workshops and activities.

The 2023 programme Our Planet, Our Home, focuses on sustainability and aims to encourage children to explore new ways to contribute to climate action. Pick up a brochure at your local library in the coming days or view it online at Wainfest.ie Photo: Paul McGuckin

Executive librarian, Sinead McLaughlin, acknowledged that as they embarked on a week of activities for children across Donegal, the Donegal Library Service is mindful that they are also nearing the first anniversary of the 10 lives lost in Creeslough. She then invited some of the children in attendance to plant a tree in the beautiful surroundings of The Glebe Gallery, as a living tribute to their memories.

Schools received an electronic copy of the brochure after the launch and families can view the full programme of events planned by picking up a leaflet in their local library or cultural venue.

The programme is also available on the website www.wainfest.ie