Ennistymon festival to Rekindle lost crafts

IDEAS are being sought ahead of an intergenerational festival to take place in Ennistymon in May.

Rekindle is a festival of lost skills celebrating and showcasing the knowledge of older people in our communities that can help us all to live a truly sustainable life.

Building upon the success of the first Rekindle festival of 2022, this year’s event will btake place on Sunday, May 14 at the Courthouse Gallery Ennistymon.

Coordinator Katie Cogan has launched a search for older people who might like to exhibit in the festival. “So many of the skills we need now to live in a truly sustainable way were once practiced by generations past,” she said. “We’re now looking for older people with skills involving making useful things, repair, creating beautiful crafts, growing materials or foods, mending belongings or building habitats. Anyone with a skill diminishing in popularity and in danger of being forgotten. Is this you or do you know someone who matches this description?

“We are hosting a Coffee Morning in advance of Rekindle on Thursday April 6, from 10am to 12pm at The Courthouse Gallery in Ennistymon. We’re inviting anyone interested to come along, we’d love to meet you and find opportunities to you to take part in this year’s festival.”

Last year’s festival saw more than 500 people meet 18 exhibitors who showcased skills ranging from pen making, aran knitting, rope making, boat building, basket making and also included a farrier who brought his anvil to display blacksmithing skills. The festival also had traditional music and storytelling led by the well known musician and Seanachaí, Aindrais de Staic. That took place at the Salmon Bookshop and Literary Centre.

In addition to the festival, there will be an exhibition of a participatory art project at the Courthouse Gallery running from May 11 to 22, led by artist Nicola Henly, with photographs by Myriam Riand of people using traditional skills. This will also feature interviews by Paula Carroll of Cuimhneamh an Cláir/Clare Memories.

More information is available from Katie on 083-1500 535; or by emailing rekindle@ourcommonknowledge.org

Rekindle is supported by Community Foundation Ireland, The Arts Council and Clare County Council’s Support Scheme for the Arts.