Eclectic and fun celebration of life planned for Cork's ‘Joy in the Park'
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Loading... - Zeta Carpino
- 27 May 2022
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THE normally sedate Fitzgerald’s Park in Cork will be transformed into a joyous and quirky celebration of life for a very special event taking place there on Sunday, July 17.
It is hoped that ‘Joy in the Park’, which will also be bringing community and voluntary groups from across Cork together to highlight the importance of minding mental health, will become an annual event on Cork’s social calendar.
Visitors to the park on the day will be able to revel in a colourful and exciting array of different events for adults and children, with the likes of the Mad Hatters Tea Party Tent, a parade of ‘Pompous Creatures’ presented by the Cork Puppetry Company and a New Orleans jazz style parade courtesy of Rebel Bass generating a pulsating carnival atmosphere.
Live music will feature heavily across the day, with headline performances by indie legend and ringmaster Jerry Fish, popular world music band Kila, Cork ska Favourites Pontious Pilate & the Naildrivers and an acoustic stage headline by the inimitable John Spillane.
The Music Generation Cork City Programme will host music by some of Leeside’s top young musicians across the afternoon, which will also feature a spoken word tent and a series of mental health panels and podcasts interviews.
‘Joy in the Park’ is the brainchild of Cork resident Linda Plover, who decided to organise the event following a devastating family tragedy last year.
“Last June we lost my stepdaughter Joy who lived in Birmingham but loved coming to Cork on her regular trips. She really was a everything that her name represented – anyone who met her instantly fell in love with her warmth, kindness and sense of fun,” said Linda.
“Joy in the Park is not intended to be a memorial to Joy – rather a celebration of life. Joy loved music, the arts and having a fun time, so much of what will be happening on the day will reflect her vibrant personality. It will be her legacy,” she added.
Linda said it was also be an opportunity to remind people to take care of their mental health and well-being, with many voluntary, community and statutory health groups backing the event and having a presence in the park across the day.
“One thing that really struck me while organising ‘Joy in the Park’ was the sheer number of supports that are out there for people experiencing mental health issues. However, a stigma also exists around the issue, which can often prevent people seeking the help and assistance they need,” said Linda.
“Joy in the park is about balancing a sense of fun with an awareness of mental health issues, removing that stigma and creating a space where people can access the support and information they need in non-judgemental and comfortable surroundings. Essentially, is about each of us finding our own joy” she added.
‘Joy In The Park’ is a free event and open to the public from 12noon until 6pm on Sunday, July 17. Read More...
