Cork Midsummer Festival’s first weekend has been hailed as a great success, with the Picnic in the Park, which is supported by Cork City Council, taking place in Fitzgerald’s Park today.

The afternoon of free arts, entertainment, music, dance and workshops was enjoyed by huge crowds from across the city, county and beyond. 

Cork City Council’s Environment and Recreation Department provided direct funding for Picnic in the Park, while the Arts Office provided direct funding and support in kind to enable this event, as well as a host of others, as part of Cork Midsummer Festival.

Speaking about the event, the newly appointed Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Chris O’Leary, said:

“Cork Midsummer Festival is a very important time on the cultural calendar for this city. It is a time when we showcase our best local talent, which have been nurtured and supported by this city, alongside international acts. It is a celebratory festival  for the citizens of Cork, which Cork City Council has supported since its conception, and we look forward to continuing to do so in the next exciting phase for the festival.”

Picnic in the Park featured many of Cork’s favourite street and circus artists, including the Lords of Strut, Dowtcha, Hakuna Matata and Circus OutSide the Box. The main stage included an array of high-energy acrobatics, circus, music and dance, while a pop up theatre inside a giant inflatable pig, courtesy of Whalley Range All Stars, delighted the crowds. Drop in workshops, local food markets, and a special teddy bears picnic area completed the scene.

Commenting on the event, Lorraine Maye, Executive Director of Cork Midsummer Festival said:

“Picnic in the Park was a great success last year, and this year was even bigger and better. The Picnic would not have been possible without the help and support of Cork City Council, whose nurturing of local artists ensures that they are brought to a platform alongside the best artists in the world.

“Cork City Council has been a fantastic supporter of Cork Midsummer Festival, both through the backing it gives to the city’s artists through the projects scheme, and through direct funding.”