Following the success of last year festival, a second Fingal of Children’s Literature will be held at Swords Castle on Saturday, September 9, writes Rose Barrett.
Launched recently by Mayor of Fingal Cllr Adrian Henchy who said: “Children will have the opportunity to meet their favourite authors, illustrators, and storytellers in the magical setting of Swords Castle – and every event is free!”
There will be lots to experience at this year’s festival, with events taking place in the Storytent, The Tall-Tales Tent, The Chapel, The Book Clinic and The Creative Zone in Swords Castle. But do check out the programme and book your events in advance.
Masters of street and circus performance, the Fanzini Brothers, will entertain you with their amazing comedy circus. The Book Doctors from Children’s Books Ireland will give children and families one-to-one advice on books to read, along with help from staff at Fingal libraries. The Creative Zone offers fun making cool graffiti with Street Art Ink, writing letters to favourite fictional characters, or taking time out to colour in pictures from stories with Orlaith O’Sullivan.
Children can meet some of their favourite authors and illustrators including Aoife Dooley, Alan Nolan, and Laureate na nÓg, Patricia Forde. Megan Wynne will host a workshop with poetry reading from Sarah Webb and Lucinda Jacob. Choose your own Adventure Book with Dave Rudden and Graham Tugwell – an interactive story-telling event in which kids control the action. Illustrator Alan Dunne will transport you through time to various historical periods – a perfect event to bring history alive at Swords Castle!
Baby and Toddler Doodle with Niamh Sharkey and Baby Bop Orchestra will perform a concert for little ones! There’s creativity with Olivia Hope while Sarah Sparkles presents a fun story-time that younger kids will love. Niamh Sharkey and Megan Churcher give a playful introduction to music, literature, and art with Bringing a Line for a Walk.
The Fingal Festival of Children’s Literature at Swords Castle on Saturday, September 9 from 10am–4pm. Pick up a copy of the festival brochure at your local Fingal library or view it at: Fingal Festival of Children’s Literature 2023 | Fingal County Council.
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