The Minister along with award winning clown, Fraser Hooper took time to highlight the festival's exciting programme of events on offer throughout the city.
Speaking about the festival Margaret Ritchie said: “I welcome the provision of financial support towards the Belfast Children’s Festival through the Department’s Laganside Events Grant scheme. I recognise the enormous contribution that Young at Art and indeed all arts organisations are making to the regeneration of our local communities.”
The festival offers lots of low cost and free events to choose from, including an international programme of music, theatre, dance, puppetry and art for all the family.
Award winning clown, Fraser Hooper, is bringing his unique style of clowning around to the Belfast waterfront. With ridiculous routines, comedy and eccentric dancing, there will be guaranteed giggles galore!
Commenting on the benefits to children and families, Margaret Ritchie added: “Festivals bring people from all sections of our communities together to share in the diversity of entertainment, education and participation. This children’s festival is another excellent example of this.
“We need to nurture our children in a way that helps them be creative and feel involved. Every child has the right to play and learn in a stimulating, safe and caring environment. This festival exemplifies these qualities and I am pleased to help fund it again this year.”
Notes to Editors:
- The Belfast Children’s Festival runs from 22 May to 31May at various venues throughout Belfast.
- To find out more visit the Belfast Children's Festival site
or telephone the Box Office on 028 9033 4455. - The Belfast Children’s festival is run by Young at Art, a children’s charity funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, the ACNI Lottery Fund and Belfast City Council
- Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078 or 07970 976894. Out of office hours please contact Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.
