Carnival of fun kicks off Cairde

THE Cairde Arts Festival got off to a gleeful start on Sunday with local families determined to enjoy themselves despite the inclement weather.

“I’m really pleased - we had a big crowd between 1-3pm,” Festival Director Tara McGowan told The Sligo Champion at ‘Park Fest’ in the Peace Park, beside the Cathedral.

“Lots of families came early. It was a good turnout considering the rain but that’s the way it goes with outdoor summer festivals in Ireland,” she said.

The Peace Park proved to be an ideal venue and was decorated in a colourful carnival-esque style with bunting, balloons and circus-style signs over each attraction. ‘Park Fest’ included aerial acrobatic performances by The Barren Carousel and Acro Aer Sligo; music by Tenekee Station, Amy O’Hara, Emmzi & Lonj-E, Mirenda Rosenberg, Tiernan Courell & friends.

A range of workshops for children were on offer including graffiti, aerial skills and kite making.

There was a chilled out atmosphere despite the pouring rain, with kiddies happy to dance and splash in ‘muddy puddles’ (as Peppa Pig fans will appreciate) in front of the band stand while parents nursed babies and hot chocolates under colourful canopies.

The festival runs the entire week with a firm focus on the family and inclusion of everyone from high-brow culture vultures to casual passersby. www.cairdefestival.com

Pics: Carl Childhood wonder: an entranced audience enjoying the acrobatics at the Cairde Park Fest. Brennan.

Cillian Rogers with Sham and Oya from Syria at the Park Fest last Sunday which kicked off Cairde.

Tinisha and Annalise at the Cairde Park Fest.

Maya Dowling-Tandia at Park Fest on Sunday.