Family Events at CSAF 2022

Family Events at CSAF 2022
15-06-2022

SWARM - Breda Larkin, Cian Kinsella Deirdre Griffin.

A thrilling mix of events with younger audiences in mind features brightly in this year’s Cairde Sligo Arts Festival programme, which runs from 1 - 10 July. Daring circus acts, tall tales and silly sketches will bring the fun and wonder back to Sligo town and locations across the county. 

The beautiful surrounds of Sligo’s Peace Park will once again be the setting for a two-day Cairde in the Park (formerly Park Fest) over Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd July. This immersive experience promises a feast of fun with a packed programme featuring live music, circus, theatre, dance, family yoga, DJ’s, interactive play and delicious locally sourced food. Sligo’s favourite family day out promises plenty of colour with acts such as Fanzini Production’s Spailp, Strong Women Science, Dr. Procter’s walkabout magic and much more.

In SWARM, circus performer Cian Kinsella (Lords of Strut), stand-up Breda Larkin and dancer Deirdre Griffin have decided to stop climate change... with theatre! Specifically their very own version of the Irish Mythological Cycle. Suitable for families & fun loving people of all ages, dancing cows, grumpy trees and magic potions made out of terrible ideas by greedy children all feature in this very silly show by very silly people about very important things. SWARM will take place on Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th July at Woodville Farm and Sligo Folk Park.

This year’s festival also sees the return of more madcap adventures with Cycle Circus, an accessible outdoor show for all the family which will visit Rathcormack National School, Sligo Folk Park, Mercy College Sligo, Ballymote Community Parks and Skreen Dromard Community Centre. From the team at Tumble Circus, the show is all human, high energy and loads of craic, celebrating circus, the human body and the bicycle. Cycle Circus runs from Tuesday 5th  to Thursday 7th July.

Brú Theatre’s The Libravian. Photo credit Anita Murphy

The Libravian, celebrates brilliant books and diverse stories through big hearted physical comedy. Join Lynn, a very lovable ‘libravian’ who chats and lip syncs their way through their favourite Irish books - all exploring the theme of bravery. This free show, suitable from ages 6+, aptly takes place at Sligo Central Library with two shows on Thursday 7th July. Booking is essential due to limited capacity.

Rounding off the family strand is Lullaby Babies, a gorgeous musical experience for babies.. Mother-daughter duo Amy and Senna O’Hara will delight and enchant babies and young children as they deliver a soothing and delightful experience, taking place at Hawk’s Well Theatre with two shows on Saturday 9th July. 

Fanzini Production’s Spail, performing at Cairde in the Park.