Fairytale Festival returns to Kilkenny
THE Fairytale Festival is returning to Kilkenny.
The annual one-day event where children’s imaginations are set free will take place on Sunday, July 21 for seven magical hours between 11am and 6pm.
Set in the surreal surrounds of Woodstock Gardens, which lie on the edge of the picturesque village of Inistioge, The Fairytale Festival is the brainchild of Beat 102-103’s Creative Department, who have been working feverishly over the winter period to produce an enjoyable, safe and magical space for children to discover (and adults to rediscover) the magic of traditional fairytales.
Now in its fourth year, the 100% screen-free event is set to feature a fairy trail, bouncy castles, storytelling, a plethora of outdoor games, a Reptile Zoo and Mini Farm, the return of an expanded capacity interactive story train, and so much more.
As always, children will have the opportunity to meet some of their favourite fairytale characters.
There will also be a diverse array of food stalls spread across the glorious gardens, so you and your little ones are never too far from a refresh.
Beat has partnered with Kilkenny County Council Library Department to promote children’s learning, creativity and wellbeing through a variety of workshops on the day.
Speaking at the festival’s launch, Beat 102-103 CEO Gabrielle Cummins highlighted the continued partnership with Kilkenny County Council: “This is our third year running the festival in association with Kilkenny County Council and each year that collaboration has gone from strength to strength. We’re excited to return to Woodstock Gardens. Kilkenny County Council has rightly recognised the gardens as a true gem in the South East that’s worth shining a spotlight on via The Fairytale Festival.”
Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council Eamonn Alyward said the enchanting Woodstock Gardens provided the perfect setting for such an event. He added: “The Fairytale Festival has grown into a national event since its inception in 2016 and I foresee many successful years ahead.”
Mayor of Kilkenny, Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere, said his own children are big fans of the festival.
He added: “I have four daughters at home and they absolutely loved last year’s event. From the characters to the performances and the interactive workshops – I’m really looking forward to this year’s festival.”
The Mayor was also keen to stress the importance of the festival’s new greening initiatives, which will be developed with Kilkenny County Council: “We’re really pushing good environmental practise this year”.
Tickets are priced at €15 each and are available now from Beat102103.com.
PICTURE CAPTION: (Back Row L-R): John Delaney, Head Gardener at Woodstock; Iris Kelleher, Kilkenny Business Development; Frank Stafford, Director of Services at Kilkenny Co Co; Eamonn Alyward, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny Co Co; Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere, Mayor of Kilkenny; and Sean McKeown, Director of Planning, Economic & Environmental Services at Kilkenny County Council.
