Belfast Children’s Festival offers a ‘Splashing’ Artistic Treat for All! |
01/04/2008
Young at Art, in association with the Arts Council of Northern Ireland launched the Belfast Children’s Festival 2008 at the Pump-house, Northern Ireland Science Park, Belfast, Monday 31st March. For the eleventh consecutive year, this festival will offer children of all ages and families from across Northern Ireland, access to an international programme of unique and professional arts events; this year the festival will follow a wind and water theme.
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Speaking at the launch, Roisín McDonough, Chief Executive, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said, “The Arts Council has been a long term supporter of the Belfast Children’s Festival. In that time it has expanded opportunities for children and families to experience a diverse and inspiring range of youth arts activities from all over the world. The programme has encouraged thousands of children and young people to use their imagination and make the most of their creative potential and this year’s festival will not disappoint.”
One of the highlights of this year’s programme is Festival goes to the Waterworks at Waterworks Park, Antrim Road. Supported by the Arts Council, this weekend long event (31st May – 1st June) has been organised by Young at Art and local community group, New Lodge Arts. It not only offers a range of performances, workshops, nature tours and outdoor cinema but it also reflects the ability of professional artists to engage with local communities to transform public spaces, particularly areas that have fallen into misuse.
Ali Fitzgibbon, Director, Young at Arts, summed up. “For this year’s festival we wanted to harness the powers of nature – wind and water – that have made Northern Ireland such a success in maritime and industrial history. Adding the power of imagination, that of the artists and the children, through high quality events, will truly blow everyone away”.
From 23rd May – 1st June, the festival will host performances, workshops, exhibitions and outreach programmes ranging from dance to puppetry and circus to literature by artists from Iran, Denmark, Germany, Spain as well as some of the best of Northern Ireland’s vibrant arts community.
The Belfast Children’s Festival will take place from 23rd May – 1st June. Tickets are available from 31st March. For further information log on to www.belfastchildrensfestival.com
