The kids are in charge!

Creative wishes have granted to some young people in Cork county helping them to become songwriters, artists, poets and performers.

It’s part of Cruinniú na nÓg 2025, the National Day of Creativity for young people taking place on Saturday 7 June with more than 30 events planned in County Cork libraries and schools.

This year’s programme has been curated by the children of Cork through the My Creative Wish initiative. More than 1,000 submissions were received from children and young people voicing their artistic dreams and ambitions, from these over 30 wishes have been granted.

Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Joe Carroll said: “The young people in our county have demonstrated an immense wealth of creativity. Through My Creative Wish we have seen the ambition of our youth to become actors, writers, dancers, designers, and so much more. We are delighted to have an opportunity to help them realise their ambitions and to make their wishes come true. We truly believe that every person in Cork should have the opportunity to realise their full creative potential and Cruinniú na nÓg supports this ambition.”

The events include a student in Whitegate National School whose wish is to become an artist. Their class took part in workshops led by an artist and will mount their artworks in an exhibition. In Kyle Community School, a student wished to become a writer and a professional author worked with their class to write poems and stories that will be read by the students. While in Burnfort National School, one young person expressed a wish to become a songwriter, so the class have been working on their original tunes that they will perform.

This year for the first time there will be a late-night event.

Electronic Music Council will teach young people in Youth Reach Mallow how to DJ and on 7 June they will perform at a disco in Mallow.