Aerial magic in Scariff for Cruinniú na nÓg

HIGHLY acclaimed aerial dance troupe Fidget Feet are coming to Scariff Harbour this weekend, as part of Crinniú na nÓg. 

The national festival of youth creativity, which takes place on Saturday next (June 11), is supported by Clare County Library, the Council and Creative Ireland. This year’s event will see the spectacular ‘Flutterby 2’ performed on the shores of Lough Derg.

A magical show for children aged four to 12 and their families, there are two sessions per day, each lasting 90 minutes. The sessions are hands-on and will be made up of three parts. 

The first part is called ‘Make’. This is an active arts and crafts session. Families can join in the fun to make caterpillars, moths and butterflies together with the Fidget Feet team. 

Then, it’s time to ‘Walk’. This part of the session involves meeting Bláithín. Bláithín loves caterpillars, moths and butterflies and you are invited to follow her on her adventurous journey with Uncle Rusty searching for flying butterflies. Bláithín comes upon Fidget Feet’s promenade circus street show, Flutterby 2, with caterpillars and butterflies flying through the air. 

At that point, it’s time to ‘Watch’. This part of the event will also involve some aerial performances with local children who have been learning to fly with Fidget Feet.

Sessions take place from 1pm – 2.30pm, and 4pm – 5.30pm at Scariff Harbour, with those attending invited to bring a picnic.

This is an outdoor promenade event, with some walking and standing to view the show. Limited seating is available for those with reduced mobility. 

Because this is an outdoor event, it will be important to dress for all kinds of weather and to come prepared. Public toilets are open. There is no parking at the venue, so parking in town and walking is advised.

Fidget Feet are an aerial circus performance company from Ireland. The troupe tells stories anywhere they can think of. Venues include theatres, cranes, forests, or swinging from buildings all over the world. Performances are for everyone and Fidget Feet love to find new ways of telling stories to new people.

Since 1998, Fidget Feet have created, established and nurtured aerial dance in Ireland. The team has created international connections and collaborations. Over 30 shows have been created to-date, and toured extensively. Fidget Feet has also established Ireland’s first aerial dance festival and training centre. These performances and opportunities are offered throughout the country to make the art form accessible to all.

Cruinniú na nÓg is a flagship initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme’s Creative Youth Plan to enable the creative potential of children and young people.

The inaugural Cruinniú na nÓg took place in June, 2018. For the past number of years, including under exceptional circumstances in 2020, young people and families have come together to enjoy, a wide range of creative activities including workshops and tutorials to recitals and readings in every city, town and village across the country. The festival is delivered in partnership with the 31 local authorities.