Rekindle - The Festival of Lost Skills
2022 was our first year running REKINDLE Festival of Lost Skills and it was a huge success and a very lovely day was had by all. The sun was blasting and the wind stayed away all day, we couldn't have asked for more.
We wanted to share some information on it here, as we prepare for 2023’s festival, which will take place on May 14th with the support of Community Foundation Ireland, and include a participatory arts element funded by the Arts Council.
Senator Garvey opened the events for us and we had a range of skilled makers from the older community set up stalls, including Krystyna Pomeroy recycled textiles (Loop Head) Mairtin Davy wood turning (Inverin, co. Galway) Padraig O' Conaile sugán chairs and baskets, (Inverin, co. Galway) Una uigh Mhaoilain sea forager (Inverin, co. Galway) Una O'Flaherty biro maker (Inverin, co. Galway) Gerhard Terpelle Farrier (Kinvara) James Linnane boat building (Connemara), Mick Masterson rope work and net-mending (Connemara), Carole Head & Friends, knitters (Loop Head), Michael Foudy basket maker (Ennis) and Mary Brosnan crochet (Ennistymon).
Inside the Courthouse Gallery we had a very special performance and Q&A with Ennistymon's original and renowned traditional musicians - Joe Wrynn, Micheal Kelliher, Christy Barry and Martin Conway, hosted by musician and actor Aindrias Stack, and then a charismatic story-telling workshop with Martina McCarthy in the garden of the Salmon Bookshop & Literary Centre. The Salmon also hosted a poetry reading with Jessie Lendennie and artist talk with Gabrielle Wynn and a Caint agus Comhrá meet up during the afternoon. There was face painting for kids and local musicians played an open trad session on the street, whilst people filled up on delicious baked goods and coffee from Carla’s local food van.
Seeing the younger and older generations connecting and skill-sharing was such a tonic after the last few years of extremely isolated living.
We are already excited to run a bigger programme for next year as the feedback was so encouraging. Please get in touch if you are interested in supporting or being involved with this event.
REKINDLE was made possible by The Community Foundation for Ireland and was supported by Clare County Council’s Age Friendly County Programme.
