By Dan Walsh at the launch on Vinegar Hill
Cruinniú na nÓg, the official day dedicated to creativity for young people, takes place this Saturday, June 7th, featuring more than 50 free events for children and young people taking place across Wexford’s five libraries and the county’s renowned cultural venues, including the National Opera House and the Wexford Arts Centre, will host a variety of events from animation and coding workshops to creative writing sessions, mural painting, and much more.
This year’s Cruinniú na nÓg Wexford will culminate in a special evening time event taking place in Enniscorthy. The Night Belongs to Youth will pay homage to the historical Vinegar Hill, with a carnival-style procession making its way to the summit featuring drumming, ceremonial dance, and song.
Organised by Creative Places Enniscorthy, members of the public can join the parade by gathering at Father Cullen Terrace at 7pm, on Saturday, June 7th.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s celebrations, Elizabeth Howard, the creative communities Engagement officer, invited the young people of Wexford to come and be inspired: “This June 7th hundreds of children from across the county will have the opportunity to interact with artists, performers and expert facilitators for this year’s Cruinniú na nÓg”, explains Ms. Howard, who added; “It’s a fantastic free day for young people to try something new, show off their skills, or discover a hidden talent”.
Amongst the programme highlights specially curated workshops will take place across Wexford’s five libraries. Wexford Town Library, will have demonstrations in weaving, fine art print making and storytelling for those with additional needs. At Gorey Library young people can try their hand at oil painting, bookbinding or coding. Upcycling advocate Lynn Haughton will lead a workshop in Enniscorthy Library, where there will also be opportunities to try acting lessons with Wexford Youth Theatre (WACT). At Bunclody Library there will be storytelling through LEGO as well as singing workshops and New Ross Library will have “print making with natural materials.
Ireland is the first, and only, country in the world to have a national day of free creativity for children and young people under 18.
Cruinniú na nÓg is a flagship initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme’s Creative Youth Plan to enable the creative potential of children and young people.
The inaugural Cruinniú na nÓg took place on June 23rd 2018 and for the past number of years, including under exceptional circumstances in 2020, young people and families have come together to enjoy, a wide range of creative activities including workshops and tutorials to recitals and readings in every city, town and village across the country. Delivered in partnership with the 31 Local Authorities and supported by RTÉ, you are invited to participate in a programme of fun, free, creative activities; from graffiti art workshops to stop-motion animation, to coding and architecture workshops.
Cruinniú na nÓg Wexford will take place on Saturday, June 7th for full details of the events taking place near you visit: https://cruinniu.gov.ie/
An initiative by Creative Ireland, Co-ordinated by Wexford County Council.
WexfordLocal.com 