Cork’s gonna en-Joy this!
All roads lead to Fitzgerald’s Park this weekend as some of Cork’s finest artists and musicians prepare to work their magic to promote awareness around mental health.
A carnival atmosphere is guaranteed at the inaugural Joy in the Park event taking place this Sunday at the famous Leeside park where visitors will be treated to a quirky and an eclectic mix of live music, spoken word, storytelling, children’s entertainment, circus, wellness activities, and a delicious food market.
Supported by Cork City Council and HSE and in partnership with Cork Mental Health Foundation, Joy In the Park will be a celebration of life, whilst highlighting the importance of minding our mental health and well-being. The Cork Independent are proud media sponsors of this great new event.
The main stage
Kicking off the afternoon, young musicians from the Music Generation Cork City programme will perform a mix of music from 12pm, followed by a magical musical experience by the Cork Pops Ensemble starting at 2pm.
At 3pm, legendary folk/world music group Kíla will take to the main stage before Cork natives Pontious Pilate & the Naildrivers unleash their unique brand of ska and punk from 4pm.
Then, from 5pm Dublin showman extraordinaire Jerry Fish will bring his “carny soul” to the masses via a typically theatrical and boundary-dissolving performance.
Mad Hatter's Tea Party
Meanwhile, a whole other kind of vibe will be unfolding in the Mad Hatter's Tea Party tent presented by the lovely folk at Tara’s Tea Room.
A more chilled, acoustic environment can be expected here, accompanied by world class afternoon tea with an Alice in Wonderland twist or three.
The tent will house the event’s acoustic stage, showcasing some of Ireland’s finest musicians with John Spillane, LOWMountain, Miss Paula Flynn, The Lost Gecko, Annette Buckley, The Finns & Pat Carey taking to the stage, alongside UK folk and blues duo and internet sensations Lizards Eg.
The Finns will get things started at noon, followed by Pat Carey at 12.40pm, Lizard’s Eg at 1.20pm, LOWMountain at 2pm, The Lost Gecko at 2.40, Annette Buckley at 3.20pm, Miss Paula Flynn at 4pm, and Leeside legend John Spillane from 4.40pm.
Joy Sylvie Spoken Word Stage
The Joy Sylvie Spoken word stage presents some of Ireland’s most renowned poets and spoken word artists alongside emerging talent and storytelling. MC’d by punk poet Wasps vs Humans, the stage will see Conal Creedon, Tina Pisco, Julie Goo, Spekulaviv Fiktion, Stan Notte, Cormac Lally, Bubba Shakespeare, and Steve Lally perform from 1pm.
The stage will also present The Kabin Studio, showcasing a melting pot of talent performed by young rappers, spoken word and hiphop artists as part of GMCBeats and Music Generation Cork City Programme.
The Couch Sessions
Bringing the living room outside, the Couch Sessions invite visitors for an afternoon of chat, jamming and a bit of banter in association with Minding Creative Minds. Starting the sessions, Ronan Leonard hosts Ringo Music Bingo, a comedy game (not a quiz) that is designed to be accessible to everyone. Simply put, it’s bingo with bands instead of numbers!
As part of the sessions, Miss Paula Flynn will hold conversations with Cork creatives Cethan Leahy, Rob Carlile and Ger Wolfe for her podcast ‘Hold On’ for Minding Creative Minds.
Completing the couch sessions, No. 49 North Street (a creative hub for mental health, recovery and well-being in Skibbereen) will bring music, songs and surprises with musicians and singers from the Happiness Ensemble, The Claddagh Rogues, and Bantry Community Choir.
Joy in the Park takes place this Sunday from 12-6pm in Fitzgerald’s Park. For more information, visit joyinthepark.com.