Participants enjoying the recent Children’s Art Festival at the ISLAND Arts Centre, Lisburn

Children and their grown-ups recently spent a fantastic, fun-filled week at ISLAND Arts Centre’s Children’s Arts Festival from Mon 9 - Sat 14 August, enjoying the venue being re-opened after 17 months of closure, due to the on-going pandemic.  

Inspired by one of the world’s best-selling picture books ‘Guess How Much I Love You,’ written by local author, the late Sam McBratney, the festival was a week-long Arts Academy that included, watercolour illustration, junk art, hare-themed sculpting and bunting workshops, print-making, dance, music, performance and craft and a dedicated day of family-focussed pottery workshop experiences, all under the tuition of professional artists.

Supporting the festival, Councillor Sharon Skillen, Leisure and Community Development Chair, said:  “It has been wonderful to see our young people and their families re-engaging in the arts at ISLAND Arts Centre during its ‘Guess How Much I Love You’ themed Children’s Arts Festival. 

"The council was delighted to have the support of Sam McBratney’s family and the book’s publisher Walker Books, London that helped make this event an exceptional educational and entertaining opportunity for all involved. 

"Look out over the coming weeks, for our up-and-coming arts events programme that will see further visits to other city locations by our much loved characters from this wonderful book by visiting www.ISLANDArtsCentre.comas these events and activities are sure to be booked-out soon too.”

For further information please contact: Susannah McKenna/Una Casement, Arts Information & Education Officer at susannah.mckenna@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk and una.casement@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk

Guess How Much I Love You TM © Sam McBratney and Anita Jeram 2021.