Events

Cruinniú na nÓg has been identified as a key opportunity to increase peer to peer cross-community cultural and creative initiatives between children and young people.

Building on the success of 2023, this year through the Shared Island stream the Creative Ireland Programme is again programming on an all-island basis with Circus Explored and Rhyme Island along with cross-community events connecting children and young people across the four corners of the island. These include a 10 hour Dance-In! in Derry, an Acoustic Picnic in Belfast, Arty Barge Workshops on the shores of Lough Erne or Fairy Folk adventures in Cavan Burren Park.

The full list of events include:

Saturday 15^th June 2024

Derry/Londonderry

Stop Motion Animation Workshop in the Nerve Centre

10am – 3pm

‘Bridging Borders, Embracing Diversity’ a closed workshop for the pupils of Eglington Primary School to work on themes relating to promoting understanding and celebrating diversity among students.

Dance-In! at the Guildhall

10am to 8pm

Over 10 hours several hundred young dancers (and older dancers) in a variety of genres, Irish and Scottish dancing, jazz, ballet will come together to dance the day away. Dance In! is devised by Gethan Dick, from Marseille in France. The event will take place in a marathon style format with local dance groups taking one hour slots throughout the day on Saturday June 15. The sound of the factory horns blaring will signal the start of Dance-In! each hour. The event is open to everyone, including non-dancers who can sign up on the day to participate or alternatively, book a slot via Eventbrite here.

Open Day at In Your Space Circus

10.30am to 4pm

In Your Space Circus are inviting young people, their families and friends, to join them for a day of circus fun! The circus school headquarters at the Glassworks on Great James Street will host a cornucopia of juggling, acrobatics, and activities for children of all ages.

Co. Fermanagh

Fairy Folklore at the Geo Park – Giant Adventure

10am – 4pm

Giant’s Grave is a breath-taking feature of the Geopark, located in Cavan Burren Park. It is a wedge tomb, on an elevated site. Although, some locals may tell you differently, Giant’s Grave got its name from an old folklore that tells the tale of two young giants, Lugh and Lag. A Giant Adventure will explore this story along with much more around myths and folklore.  Young people will be immersed in the stories of giants before embarking on a journey of creativity through different creative mediums.  

Arty Barge Workshops on the shores of Lough Erne

Crom Courtyard, Crom Estate, Upper Lough Erne Newtownbutler 

12pm – 7pm

Pick your creative activity, from hand drumming and percussion to singing or forest pottery or explore the joys of Printmaking. Weather permitting the workshops will be delivered open air at the beautiful Crom Estate. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear.

Co. Down

Workshops at F.E. McWilliam Gallery and Studio, Banbridge

This Cruinniú na nÓg KidsOwn is facilitating an exciting event between the F.E. McWilliam in Bainbridge, County Down and the Jackie Clarke Collection in Ballina, County Mayo! As part of KidsOwn’s travelling exhibition Tada! children ages 8-12 will are invited to workshops in Down and Mayo on June 15th. These workshops will give children the opportunity to use and showcase their creativity through art and words in response to Kids’ Own books, including, This Giant Tent made by children for children in County Mayo, about their lives and experiences.

Belfast

Open Day at Circusful/Oh Yeah Music Centre

12.00pm to 3.00pm

Circusful are collaborating with the Oh Yeah Music centre (right next door to Circusful!) this year to bring the joy of Circus skills to their monthly Acoustic Picnic. The Acoustic Picnic provides a space for families to come together, bring a picnic, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of live music and creative activities.