Wonderful Walkinstown Festival promises plenty
THE recent launch of the inaugural Wonderful Walkinstown Festival 2022 was a jubilant affair, and gave residents a taste of what they can expect when the festival takes place next month.
The Wonderful Walkinstown Festival will take place in Walkinstown Park on Sunday, September 4, where attendees will be treated to live music and performances, sports, storytelling and more.
The brainchild of Jackie and Paul Byrne – members of a local ukulele troupe called The Walkeleles – the festival is being organised by local residents and is backed by Dublin City Council.
Siobhan Burke, a member of the organising committee for the Wonderful Walkinstown Festival, told The Echo: “The festival was the idea of Walkeleles founders, sister and brother Jackie and Paul Byrne.
“They both live in the area and wanted to provide a fun day featuring live music and entertainment for the local community.
“While there had been family fun days in Walkinstown before, there had never been a festival of this scale and with live music in the area.”
Ms Burke added: “They assembled a committee who have been meeting regularly since February to plan the event.”
The plans for the festival, including performances from local dance schools and a variety of activities for people of all ages, have been gathering pace in recent weeks.
Ms Burke said: “On stage, there will be music from The Walkeleles, singer-songwriter Natalie Moran, contemporary choir Musically Sound, the Crumlin Orchestra, and more.
“For the kids, there will be storytelling, superheroes and clowns, as well as a host of other games and activities.
“It will also be a great opportunity for locals to chat with local community groups such as The Men’s Shed, Scouts, Girl Guides, DSPCA, the Walkinstown Greenhills Resource Centre, to name just a few.
“St James Gaels GAA Club will host sporting activities on the day. Other attractions include an electrified train for children, stilt walkers, and even a vintage American fire engine.”
Updates on the festival are being posted regularly on the Wonderful Walkinstown Festival Facebook page, and Ms Burke is encouraging people to come out and celebrate the Walkinstown community.
“Since the festival was announced, the feedback from locals has been phenomenal with lots of groups wanting to get involved and be a part of it,” she said.
“Crumlin and Drimnagh have had great festivals in the past – now it’s Walkinstown’s turn.”
