In Pictures: Bealtaine Festival 2023 is packed with activities for older people to enjoy

The launch of this year’s Bealtaine Festival in the Donegal County Museum certainly whet the appetite for what the next few weeks have in store. 

Those gathered for last Wednesday’s launch were treated to entertainment from the Finn Valley Men’s Choir and some cheeky humour from Bealtaine Festival stalwart Fergus Cleary. This certainly set the tone for what is to come through the month of May. 

A packed programme of cultural, health and informative events has been compiled with a focus on improving the quality of life of older people.

Art activities include music, dance, drama, writing, ink art, and traditional skills such as spinning wheel sessions and even origami. 

There will be talks on such diverse subjects as physical and mental health, online banking and identifying garden birds by their song.

History will also feature, with events relating to the famine, family history and historical walks. 

Cathaoirleach of Donegal Cllr Liam Blaney launched the event, saying: “The festival is full of exciting and interesting events in our communities, both in person and online.

“You can weave a willow sweet pea planter, explore your family history or learn how to improve your mental and physical health.”

Cllr Blaney encouraged older people to come out and enjoy the fantastic range of activities. He thanked the hard working team in the cultural division for their hard work in organising the festival. 

Bealtaine Festival Coordinator for Donegal County Council Ciara Cunnane spoke of how, after the challenges of the last few years, events such as this are more important than ever.

“As we move from Covid, culture continues to be a guiding light,” she said. “It is an integral part of our lives and a source of pride.”

She spoke of who people in Donegal are living longer, leading to a large demographic of older people for whom services needed to be provided.

“Bealtaine allows cultural development to put a focus on older people,” said Ms Cunnane “It reminds us that getting older can be a time of renewal and empowerment.”

Donegal County Council’s Arts Officer Traolach Ó Fionnan said that while many people were getting out and about after covid, there remained a degree of reticence among the older generation. 

“Bealtaine is a perfect opportunity for older people who may still be struggling to get out and about after Covid to enjoy events and activities with their peers,” he said.

The full programme of events can be found at donegallibrary.ie with brochures also available in libraries and other venues throughout the county.