Craic On

Feel Good Fortnight

Put that brolly away as this week sees the start of Feel Good Fortnight, meaning we’re set for “two weeks of sunshine whatever the weather.”

Now in its fourth year the annual feel-good community festival, run by Insight Inishowen, kicks off this Saturday, June 27, at 1.30pm with a spectacular “Colour Parade” up Buncrana Main Street, with lots of surprises in store.

Beginning at 1.30pm, everyone is invited to either join in sporting their brightest colours in keeping with this year’s theme “Show Your Colours.” Those taking part in the parade are asked to gather at The Exchange at 1pm.

Show Your Colours

Insight Inishowen Chairperson Ruth Garvey-Williams said: “The theme of ‘Show Your Colours’ is based on the concept of being ourselves and celebrating who we are.

“It’s about celebrating community and all that we are proud of in Inishowen.”

As usual, this year’s programme is packed full of a wide range of events, projects and workshops, and brings the whole community together from voluntary groups to local businesses.

“We have a fantastic line up, with lots of great events coming up,” said Ruth. “We’ve some old favourites, all the ususal fun stuff, with some surprises coming up to.”

Positive Message

Feel Good Fortnight is a time to share, celebrate and enjoy all that is good, healthy and positive in our community. It is run by Insight Inishowen, who seek to build a resilient community that promotes mental and emotional well-being through their year-round work such providing free counseling service, exam stress workshops, self-harm workshops and so much more.

Organiser Tansy Cowley said: “Preparation has been going very well. We’ve a lot of great volunteers this year, as always. That spirit of volunteerism is the essence of Feel Good Fortnight.

“The theme ‘Show Your Colours’ is really inspiring, and is really keeping in the spirit of celebrating joy and well-being in the community.

“Feel Good Fortnight is great for tourism in the area too. Things like the murals and the Forest of Intentions are very striking for visitors, and they show the strong sense of community in the area.”

Feelgood Fortnight Highlights

Highlights of this year’s festival include story telling in Swan’s Park from the “Take it to the Streets”, a day of live music, arts and crafts, games, a Crossroads Ceili, face painting, baloons, and fun for all the family on Buncrana Main Street on July 4, or the “Colours of my Life” flower festival which runs from July 2-5 at the Church of Ireland, Main Steet, Buncrana.

The finale will take place at Ned’s Point Fort with a family fun day.

Other events include story telling in Swan’s park with the Free Wee Library project, the Feel Good Talent Show, the Teddy Bears Picnic with iCARE and Sonas Youth Club, the children’s shadow puppet workshop, foot golf, “My Window on the World” photo exhibition and much, much more.

There will also lots going on throughout the fortnight, such as yarnbombing, random acts of kindness, art exhibits, and lots of Feel Good products and special offers from local businesses.