Thursday, 1 October 2026
Small Voices. Big Stories.
For 30 years, Wainfest has inspired creativity, imagination and a love of reading among children and young people across County Donegal. This October, Donegal's annual children's arts and book festival returns for a special milestone celebration, bringing communities together to mark three decades of storytelling, learning and creative discovery.
Launched at Oakfield Park on 29 September, Wainfest 2026 will take place from 10 to 18 October, with more than 100 events planned in libraries, schools, community spaces and cultural venues throughout the county.
The festival's 30th anniversary theme, "Small Voices. Big Stories.", celebrates the unique perspectives, ideas and experiences of children and highlights the importance of ensuring young voices are heard, valued and encouraged.
Children attending the launch from Raphoe Central National School and St Eunan's National School, Raphoe enjoyed a special workshop with local actor, illustrator and writer John D. Ruddy, offering a taste of the creativity and inspiration at the heart of this year's programme.
Launching the festival, Cllr Terry Crossan, Leas-Chathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, described the anniversary as a significant milestone for one of Donegal's most cherished children's festivals:
"This is a wonderful milestone, one that everyone involved should be extremely proud of. For three decades, this much-loved festival has been bringing books, stories, creativity, music, performance and imagination to children and families right across Donegal.
This year's theme, 'Small Voices. Big Stories.', reminds us that every child has a unique perspective, a voice worth hearing and a story worth telling."
Bringing Creativity to Communities Across Donegal
A key strength of Wainfest is its ability to connect communities throughout the county, giving children and families opportunities to engage with arts, culture and creativity close to home.
This year's programme includes performances by Donegal storyteller Little John Nee, science workshops with Cell Explorers, a family Drive-in Cinema Workshop, the popular Ramelton Treasure Trail, arts and crafts, gaming sessions and creative workshops including sewing, candle-making and 3D printing. Families can also enjoy special Wainfest cinema screenings and visit the Lights and Magic exhibition at Donegal County Museum.
Schools across the county will have opportunities to engage with authors, illustrators, performers and educators through workshops and interactive events. Highlights include sessions with John D. Ruddy and Niall de Búrca, the Moomin Puppet Show Mischief and Mystery in Moominvalley, alongside creative writing, heritage, animation, science and environmental programmes.
Celebrating Children's Voices
A special highlight of this anniversary year will be "Small Voices. Big Stories.", a 30th birthday celebration at Central Library Letterkenny on 15 October.
The event will welcome Dr Niall Muldoon, Ombudsman for Children, who will meet local schoolchildren, hear their views and answer their questions. Reflecting the festival theme, the event will encourage young people to share their ideas, experiences and aspirations while recognising the importance of listening to children's voices.
Supporting Future Generations Through Culture and Creativity
As Wainfest enters its fourth decade, it remains an important part of Donegal's cultural landscape, helping young people explore their creativity, build confidence and develop a lifelong love of reading, learning and the arts.
By connecting children and families with books, storytelling and creative experiences, the festival continues to enrich communities across the county while reflecting Donegal's commitment to nurturing creativity, supporting young people and creating opportunities for future generations.
The full Wainfest 2026 programme is available at www.wainfest.ie, with brochures also available from local libraries and cultural venues throughout Donegal.
Wainfest 2026 takes place from 10 to 18 October across County Donegal.
