We recently set off to experience the Sunrise Children's Festival at St Bridget's Garden in Co Galway. It was the first of this festival and it did not disappoint. It was a weekend event. Full days of children's activities on Saturday and Sunday. To attend the festival it was 140e this included free camping on the Saturday night. We arrived at St Bridget's Garden at about 1pm on the Saturday.
We had to head straight to the camping site to set up our tent for the night. The camp site was already really full and we had to keep our spot firmly before another family claimed it. If there was one piece of advise for the organiser's I would give, it would be to let people head to the venue the night before on the Friday evening to set up. Setting up camp on the Saturday takes time with smallies, hence time out of enjoying the activities on the day with the children.
When our tent was ready, beds blown up and all unpacked we made the short walk to the festival. The festival was fabulous for children. There was an itinerary given to each family on arrival and you could visit each area to experience what you wanted with the family. The earthy arts and crafts really inspired my girls. 
The craft leaders were very patient and helped each child no matter what age to produce a lovely piece. Crafts the girls made included stick instruments, twig disco sticks and wood fairies. We watched bands, puppet shows, magicians, held bearded dragons and met The BFG to name but a few. We finished up on Sunday evening at the kiddies disco which had an enthusiastic girl showing all the children dance moves. Just what they needed to keep up the atmosphere.
A highlight for us was the parade on the Saturday evening which led to the bonfire and fire dancers. It was dress up as 'Superheroes and Goddesses'. The girls loved this. It was very well run and enjoyed by all.
Points to think of - Please open the camping site on the Friday evening. It would make the whole experience a lot more relaxed if we could set up on the Friday evening and enjoy a full weekend of camping.
-A bit yuck but necessary sorry....Bring a camping travel toilet with you. The power was down a few times over the weekend and the main loos were closed. I brought a camping toilet because I am in the throws of toilet training with my youngest so it is just easier to have it close by. You will understand if you have toilet trained a 2 and 5 month child before!! After experiencing a camping children's festival I will never go to a festival again without it!!
-The cafe could open earlier on Sunday morning for breakfast. There was a huge queue waiting at 9am in the rain to get in. We all know young children wake early, and in a tent they wake even earlier and want to be fed.
All in all a great weekend away that was all about the children experiencing art and culture. Well done St Bridget's Garden. My girls loved it. We really enjoyed it too. I hope it becomes an annual children's festival. It was a sold out festival on both days which goes to show that parents in Ireland want family entertainment and festivals.
Thanks for reading. If you were there let me know what you enjoyed about the event.
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Thanks for reading,
Orla Xx
