Welcome to Wainfest 2021
Between the 2nd and 10th October we are serving up some cultural delights for children aged 4 - 12 years.
This year’s theme Blaze a Trail is a nod to one of Donegal’s most famous sons. Born into Irish royalty, Colmcille, also known as Columba or Columb, was destined to do great things. As part of Donegal County Council’s Colmcille1500 programme, the festival is proud to showcase his legacy and legend through its dynamic and varied line-up.
We're delighted to see the welcome return of some live events, all of which will comply fully with public health guidance to ensure everyone's safety.
We invite you to join us and Blaze a Trail this October and help us inspire the next generation.
FESTIVAL BROCHURE IS AVAILABLE ON THE WAINFEST WEBSITE
Live family events include the return of Oakfield Park’s Harry Potter Experience, events with Spraoí in Inishowen, film screenings at an Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair and Eclipse Cinemas at Lifford- Strabane and Bundoran. An Grianán Theatre will stage A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings, and Donegal County Museum will display their exhibition Colmcille: Man and Myths. Glenveagh will have a self-guided art trail, and Donegal Railway Heritage Centre will host a heritage day for families. There is also an opportunity to explore nature with Éanna Ní Lamhna in Inishowen. All events will comply with public health guidance.
The schools programme is packed full of amazing events such as John D. Ruddy, the talented and hilariously funny Wayne O’Connor, Pamela Butchart author of The Spy Who Loved School Dinners, Rachel Bright author and illustrator of picture books such as Love Monster, and Donegal’s up-and-coming author Louise Flanagan of the Dragonterra series.
The festival also has an event aimed at parents and guardians. Best-selling author and Clinical Psychologist Dr. Malie Coyne will deliver an online talk How to show compassion and support for an anxious child.
Wainfest 2021 is supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media under the Decade of Centenaries Initiative 2012-2023, and the Europe Direct Centre in Letterkenny