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Aisling Children's Arts Festival 2011

Roll up! Roll up! It's Aisling! Time to put on your make-up, get the costumes ready, sharpen your pencils and prepare your paintbrushes our 14th festival is about to begin and this year’s programme is as colourful and exciting as ever. Feast your eyes over the next few pages to see the huge list of activities planned for the week and choose carefully ... you don't want to miss anything.

We start with our free Family Open Day packed full with activities and entertainment from home and abroad. Join us at St. Michael’s National School, St. Mel’s Road, Longford on Sunday 23rd October from 2-5pm for a day of mayhem and madness as we get the ball rolling for Aisling 2011. We have face painting, free workshops, a visit from our furry friends and a carnival not to mention Jack Wise our magician and winner of the Street Performer's World Championships 2010 and Jason Maverick, juggler extraordinaire!

It will be a busy week at Backstage Theatre. There is a full programme of events with a touch of drama, a little bit of comedy and even a few spooky stories. Book early to avoid disappointment.

And let’s not forget our famous workshops in Longford town and around the county. With such an array to choose from check out our website to see what's available. Pick your favourites and get in the queue to make, model, manufacture and mould!

Of course such a spectacle could not be organised without the very generous and continued support of our sponsors. Thank you for your generosity in very difficult times. We are very grateful. Thanks also to everyone in Backstage Theatre without whom the festival would not be possible and to St. Michael's National School, the Temperance Hall and all our out-reach venues. This list shows just how our festival is truly a community event.

Finally, to the very hard-working and ever cheerful committee - the work is never done but you are true to the children of Longford, young and old and never fail to put together a fantastic festival event. Thanks to each and every one.

Fiona

Dead of Night Festival

Yes... Halloween is fast approaching, and its time to dust off your ghoulish costumes to start getting ready for Dead of Night 2011. Monday, October 31st in Connolly Barracks, Longford. Gates open at 6pm.

So don’t delay. Come along and enjoy a great evening of Halloween festivities and remember.. Admission & Amusements are Free to all!

Or better still ... Get yourself, your family or a bunch of friends to dress up or down and take part in the parade. Great Prizes guaranteed! To take part in the parade, come to the Market Square, Longford on Halloween Evening at 6pm.

For further information phone 043 33 42031.

October in Longford Library

October has always been a special month for children’s activities in all libraries in Co. Longford and this one promises to be the best yet. Events include:

Chris Thompson will conduct her new Wizards and Warriors interactive workshop with schools throughout the county.

Dr. Fred Freeman will host a number of fun poetry sessions concentrating on the works of the Scottish poet Robbie Burns.

Up-and-coming children’s author Alan Early will read from his new book Arthur Quinn and the World Serpent and give advice to any aspiring young writers.

Internationally acclaimed Irish language author Re O’Laighleis will talk about his work with secondary schools throughout the county. A number of arts and crafts sessions and competitions will take place in various libraries throughout the county.

Events will culminate this year with what has become one of the highlights of our calendar, the Hallow'een show which will take place in Longford Branch Library on Tuesday 1st November 11am. A scary time is guaranteed!!

Last Years Winning Artist

Cian comes from Clondra, Co. Longford. He is 8 years old and is in second class in Stonepark N.S.

Cian loves to draw and has shown great talent from a very early age. He hopes to play soccer for Liverpool and be on the Irish International team when he grows up but plans to keep drawing as a past time.

It took a lot of work and many drafts to perfect his winning picture. Cian was very happy with the end result and thrilled to win last year’s competition.