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Families gathered at Slieve Gullion Forest Park recently for Forest Feasts and Woodland Beats, a community cultural celebration organised by the Slieve Gullion District Electoral Area Forum in partnership with Clanrye Group. The free family event transformed the forest and courtyard into a hub of music, dance, art and food, showcasing the diversity of cultures within the community.
and Woodland Beats celebration at Slieve Gullion Forest Park.
Visitors enjoyed a food village featuring a range of international cuisines, along with an interactive art area where children and adults took part in Chinese origami, Thai painting and creating mini beasts using natural materials gathered from the woodland. Entertainment included face painting, henna body art and magician performances, while the amphitheatre provided a backdrop for a programme of cultural performances, including a Chinese Fan Dance, Indian Dance, African Drumming and traditional Irish Music, celebrating the diversity and heritage of communities in the area.
multi-disciplinary team at the Forest Feasts and Woodland Beats celebration event,
with Gail Walker and Charlotte Kane from Diverse Mind Events and Slieve Gullion
District Electoral Area (DEA) Forum Coordinator Aoife McComiskey.
A sensory support area ensured the event was inclusive for all. The celebration received financial support from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, the Southern Health and Social Care Trust's multidisciplinary team at Meigh Surgery and Arbour Housing.
Councillor Aine Quinn, Chairperson of the Slieve Gullion DEA Forum, said the event gave people the chance to connect through shared experiences. "Forest Feasts and Woodland Beats was a wonderful opportunity to bring people together through shared experiences of food, music, art and culture. The event highlighted the diversity that enriches our communities while providing a fun and welcoming day out for families in the beautiful surroundings of Slieve Gullion Forest Park."
Beats celebration in Slieve Gullion Forest Park organised by Slieve Gullion District
Electoral Area (DEA) Forum in partnership with Clanrye Group.
Claire Convery, Clanrye Group's Head of Community Partnerships and Integration, said the organisation was glad to support the event. "We were delighted to support this event at Slieve Gullion Courtyard and Gardens. It gave us a great opportunity to share our annual community programme with Safefood Ireland, focusing on cooking on a budget."
Event organisers thanked all performers, activity providers, funders, volunteers and attendees who contributed to the event and helped create a celebration of culture, community and connection.
