Donegal’s Wainfest is about to begin this weekend with lots of fun filled family events taking place.
From Harry Potter and Hogwart’s Express at Oakfield Park, Raphoe on Saturday and Sunday to Jeremy, Hartleby agus Oooglemore in Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair and the Donegal Bay and Bluestacks Festival Carnival Parade in Ballyshannon on Saturday to the Snail and the Whale stage performances at An Grianán Theatre and Goldilocks and the Three Bears in the Balor Theatre in Ballybofey on Sunday, there is something for everyone.
Find out more about what’s on during Wainfest by downloading the programme from wainfest.ie
Wainfest is Donegal’s Children’s Art and Book Festival hosted by Donegal County Council and takes place from 6th to 14th October with 40 family friendly events planned throughout Donegal, the vast majority of which are free to attend. This weekend alone there will be events taking place in Ballybofey, Ballyshannon, Buncrana, Bundoran, Carndonagh, Gaoth Dobhair, Letterkenny, Milford, Na Rossa and Raphoe.
Denis McGeady, joint festival co-ordinator in Donegal County Council is delighted with the response to date saying: “we’re absolutely blown away by the response the festival has got since the programme was launched on the 21st September. Some events have already sold out, which is encouraging for us, but perhaps disappointing for those who are only hearing about the events now.
“We have some magnificent authors visiting us over the coming week and to be able to extend such invaluable experiences of meeting bestselling authors to families on a greater scale this year, is something we’re very proud of,” McGeady said.
Authors Steve Cole, Tom Palmer, Shane Hegarty, Jonathan Meres, Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre will be making appearances at different libraries, including Aislann Kilcar next week. All author visits are free and booking is advised to ensure you don’t miss out.
For more on what’s on and to book your place visit www.wainfest.ie or follow @DonegalCountyLibrary on facebook for updates.
With 40 family events, this year’s Wainfest promises to be the best yet.
Events for this weekend include:
Harry Potter and Hogwart’s Express at Oakfield Park, Raphoe
Oakfield Park has partnered with Wainfest on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th, to host a not-to-be-missed Harry Potter Experience. Visitors to the park are invited to dress as their favourite characters, take a ride on the Hogwart’s Express, meet famous characters from the world-famous books, enjoy storytelling from Mabel’s Fables and even get the chance to play a refereed game of Quidditch on Donegal’s first Quidditch pitch.
There will also be free Harry Potter themed crafts. In Buffers Restaurant, visitors can enjoy Harry Potter movies, feast on Harry Potter themed candies and sample some Butter Beer.
No booking is required for this event and there is no additional cost; just entry fees to the park as normal. The park is open 12pm – 6pm and the event runs throughout the day.
For more information visit oakfieldpark.com or call +353 (0) 74 91 73068.
Performances
Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair welcome Fíbín Theatre Company and their stage production of Jeremy, Hartleby agus Oooglemore on Saturday 6th at 2pm. This event is free to attend. Don’t be disappointed, book your tickets at Wainfest.ie
Wrap up and come and visit the Donegal Bay and Bluestacks Festival Carnival Parade, which takes place in Ballyshannon at 7.30pm. Watch the streets of Ballyshannon come to life with some very special theatrical and musical performances.
Families will love the Snail and the Whale stage performances at An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny on Sunday 7th October. Inspired by Julia Donaldson’s bestselling picturebook, follow the tiny snail’s exciting journey in this magical, musical production best suited for those age 4 upwards. Call the box office on 0749120777 or book online at Wainfest.ie.
The Balor Theatre, Ballybofey presents Goldilocks and the Three Bears by Miriam Lambert on Sunday 7th October. See the story come to life within her original two-tier puppet booth. Call the box office on 0749131840 or book online at Wainfest.ie.
Your Local Library and County Museum
Discover the past with Dig it Kids, get creative with Bricí Spraoi, perform with Zara Holmes and hear great stories from Mr Hullabaloo this weekend across the County for free. Some of our events are sold out, and there limited availability for some remaining events.
Donegal County Museum are running “A Long Farewell” exhibition, documenting those that emigrated from Donegal, which is well worth a visit.
All information is available from Wainfest.ie.
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