Fingal Festival of Children’s Literature returns to Swords Castle

Following the success of the first Fingal Festival of Children’s Literature last year, Fingal Libraries is presenting an even bigger festival in Swords Castle this year on Saturday, September 9.

The programme for this year’s Fingal Festival of Children’s Literature was launched last Thursday, August 10 in Swords Castle by the Mayor of Fingal Cllr. Adrian Henchy.

The Mayor was joined by the Deputy Chief Executive of Fingal County Council Ethna Felten, County Librarian Betty Boardman, Festival Creative Director Shane Hegarty, and some young readers.

The Fingal Festival of Children’s Literature celebrates the magic of children’s stories and books.

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Adrian Henchy said: “This year’s festival will give children the opportunity of meeting their favourite authors, illustrators, and storytellers in the magical setting of Swords Castle. Children of all ages and families will enjoy a day of fun and discovery where, just like in libraries, every event is free.”

Deputy Chief Executive of Fingal County Council Ethna Felten said: “Fingal Libraries give children and families from all backgrounds equal access to books, instilling the love of reading. The Fingal Festival of Children’s Literature has a great programme to bring the magic of stories and books to as many children as possible.”

County Librarian Betty Boardman said: “As well as the day in Swords Castle, the Fingal Festival of Children’s Literature has a schools’ programme to spread the joy of stories to schools and libraries across Fingal. With authors and illustrators meeting hundreds of creative young people, there will be inspiration and ideas all week before the festival. We would like to extend our gratitude to Creative Director Shane Hegarty who has created a wonderful programme of events.”

Creative Director of the festival, Shane Hegarty added: “The Castle will be packed with bestselling authors, amazing illustrators, and awesome artists – just bring your imagination! We can’t wait to see you in Swords Castle to celebrate the Magic of Stories once again!”

There is lots to experience and discover at this year’s festival, with events taking place in the Storytent, The Tall-Tales Tent, The Chapel, The Book Clinic and The Creative Zone in Swords Castle. Check out the programme to see what needs to be booked in advance and what you can walk into on the day. Masters of street and circus performance, the Fanzini Brothers, will be there to entertain you with their amazing comedy circus. Drop by and say hello to the friendly Fingal Library staff who will answer all your questions. Want ideas for what to read next? The Book Doctors from Children’s Books Ireland will give children and families one-to-one advice on books they will love. Young artists will have fun in the Creative Zone making cool graffiti with Street Art Ink, writing letters to favourite fictional characters, or taking time out to colour in pictures from stories with Orlaith O’Sullivan.

Children can meet some of their favourite authors and illustrators at the festival, including Aoife Dooley, Alan Nolan, and Ireland’s brand-new Laureate na nÓg, Patricia Forde. Megan Wynne’s workshop will help children express their feelings through writing. Children’s writers Sarah Webb and Lucinda Jacob will share some of their favourite poems. Take part in a live Choose your own Adventure Book with Dave Rudden and Graham Tugwell – an interactive story-telling event in which kids control the action. Illustrator Alan Dunne will transport you through time to various historical periods – a perfect event to bring history alive at Swords Castle!

There will be something for children of all ages at this year’s festival. Baby and Toddler Doodle with Niamh Sharkey is back by popular demand for little ones who love to draw, scribble or doodle. Baby Bop Orchestra will perform a lively classical music concert for early years children and their families. Little ones can make their own magical flying creature with Olivia Hope. Sarah Sparkles presents a fun story-time that younger kids will love. Niamh Sharkey and Megan Churcher give a playful introduction to music, literature, and art with Bringing a Line for a Walk.

The book-gifting element of the festival is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development under the Community Recognition Fund.

The Fingal Festival of Children’s Literature takes place in Swords Castle on Saturday 9th September from 10 am – 4 pm.

Pick up a copy of the festival brochure at your local Fingal library or view it online on website: Fingal Festival of Children’s Literature 2023 | Fingal County Council