Mayo town set to host annual Children's festival

From October 18 to November 1, The Linenhall in Castlebar presents its annual Children’s Arts Festival, ‘Roola Boola’ with a humongous host of enthralling events for young people aged 3-12, offering low cost or free admission. 

Among its highlights, set to mesmerise audiences on Saturday, October 18 is French circus and acrobatic show ‘By Trial and Error’, about the fear of failure and how to bounce back, from the internationally acclaimed, Le Cirque Content Pour Peu. Full of surprises, humour and physical comedy borrowed from silent cinema, the whole family will laugh, gasp and cheer at this hilarious and heartwarming display of acrobatic brilliance. 

More storytelling awe awaits at Ceol Connected’s ‘The Land of a Hundred Little Hills’ for schools on October 14, ‘Leaves’ from Branar features stage design by Achill artist, Maeve Clancy on October 25 and the Pat McCabe penned ‘The Adventures of Shay Mouse’ is on October 28. Experience puppetry performance, ‘Maggie’ by Mayo based Little Gem Puppets is on October 29, with November 1 heralding the ‘Dude'. Be Nice’ book launch, plus Mónica Muñoz’s energetic dance show, ‘Rolling!’. 

This year’s associated visual arts exhibition, is a union of creative visionaries, Corrina Askin and Manchán Magan. ‘Cat Crainn agus Madraí Uisce’ explores words for nature and our connection with the natural world. Corrina’s vibrant artwork combined with a bilingual soundscape inspired by the magic of Manchán, forms an exciting, playful interaction. Co-commissioned by Riverbank Arts Centre, Linenhall Arts Centre and Kildare County Council Library Service.

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“Is deis iontach é Cat Crainn agus Madraí Uisce le mealltacht agus aoibhneas focail Gaeilge don nádúr a roinnt leis an t-aos óg. Tuigimid go léir an tábhacht atá le teacht ar shlíte le leanaí a mhealladh i dtreo beoicht agus draíocht ár dteanga dhúchais - braithim go gcabhródh an togra seo go mór leis an cuspóir seo.” duirt Manchán Magan, scríbhneoir. 

“Cat Crainn agus Madraí Uisce is a wonderful opportunity to share the allure and beauty of Irish words for nature with young people. We all recognise the importance of finding ways to engage children in the vibrancy and magic of our native tongue - I feel this project will greatly aid this aim.” enthused writer, Manchán Magan. 

In situ at the Linenhall Gallery from October 3 to November 15, it features a complementary engagement programme of tours and workshops: ‘Primary School Gallery Tours’, an ‘Irish Sign Language Tour’ for families, a tour as gaeilge ‘Turas Gailearaí Ealaíne agus Comhrá’ and the ‘Azure Dementia Inclusive Gallery Tour’, supporting people living with dementia and those around them, plus a ‘Gallery Tour in Ukrainian’. Екскурсія художньою галереєю українською мовою з Вікторією Філіповською. All visitors receive a ‘Little spotter’s guide’, a beautiful keepsake from the artist. 

To other Roola Boola events, and marking Halloween in multiple ways, a ‘Lámh Spooktacular’ workshop, led by writer and theatre-maker, Alison Ní Mháirtín takes place on October 11. No experience in Lámh, the manual sign system used in Ireland by children and adults with intellectual disabilities and communication needs, is required. Over midterm, bringing festive fun and boogies, a ‘Halloween Costume Workshop’ on October 28, and fancy dress dance party ‘The Big Ceili’ on October 30, featuring The Rolling Waves, a Castlebar based traditional Irish music group of young musicians.

For movie and music fans, a ‘Swifties Sing Along’ on October 28, plus ‘The Greatest Showman Sing-A-Long’ screening on October 31, awaits. Additional workshop opportunities include a family art session on October 30 and an introduction to watercolours on October 31.

Discover Roola Boola’s festival programme and book via www.thelinenhall.com or by contacting 094 9023733 with queries. To attend any of the free gallery tours, email boxoffice@thelinenhall.com.

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