CORK was awash with activity last weekend as part of the much anticipated Sea Fest event.

The maritime festival, which took place at the Port of Cork, included something for the whole family from installations to talks from Met Éireann Head of Forecasting Evelyn Cusack. One of the attractions included Bord Iascaigh Mhara’s Clean Oceans Experience-an interactive hut comprising 60kg of household plastics, the average amount used by an adult in Ireland each year. Its aim was to highlight the high volume of plastic in our oceans The initiative was presented by Cork City Council and the Inter-Departmental Marine Coordination Group (MCG).

Exhibitions and workshops to turn plastic into art also caught the eye of visitors. Highlights included the transformation of 1000 plastic cartons into an installation of seagulls.

MaREI’s 3D exhibition Maintaining a Healthy Harbour was on display and featured marine litter artworks from local school children.

Sustainably sourced Irish seafood was on the menu at SeaFest with demonstrations from top chefs Nevin Maguire, Rory O’Connell and Martin Shanahan. The Bord Bia and BIM Seafood Experience had a focus on seafood preparation too with insights from fishmongers Pat O’Connell and Hal Dawson.

Many in attendance took part in activities promoting responsible behaviour in the water through free sailing, kayaking, and currach boat sessions.

Others had the chance to hear from global leaders including environmental activist and former US Secretary of State John Kerry.

SeaFest is supported by Cork City Council, BIM, Marine Institute, Port of Cork, Cork Harbour Festival and Commissioners of Irish Lights. It additionally benefits from the support of the Defence Forces, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Bord Bia, Sea Fisheries Protection Authority and Pure Cork.