In pictures: Busy springtime Lifelong LearningFestival a win for Cork

CORK’S popular Lifelong Learning Festival was launched by the Lord Mayor of Cork at an event held in Council Chambers today.

The springtime festival, incorporating a week-long programme of learning events, has been a firm favourite in the city’s calendar since 2004.

The 19th Cork Lifelong Learning Festival will take place from Wednesday, April 10 to Wednesday, April 17.

Festival organisers said they have been overwhelmed by the hugely positive response to their call-out for involvement in the free programme of activities, with more than 400 individual Lifelong Learning events set to take place throughout the city.

'Give it a go'

One of the key aspects of the festival over the years is the opportunity for members of the public — regardless of age, interest, or abilities — to ‘give it a go’ and learn something new through workshops, demonstrations, classes, lectures, walks, and talks.

Lord Mayor of Cork Councillor Kieran McCarthy welcomed how the concept of lifelong learning sweeps into life and society in Cork during festival time.

“It is part of the sense of identity and sense of positive spirit the city possesses and consistently pursues,” he said.

“The positive message that festival event hosts are giving to all people, including our new neighbours, is a powerful way to demonstrate our values as a people, and as a city - a city of welcomes.”

Speaking about the importance of celebrating lifelong learning, Festival chairman Willie McAuliffe said: “Cork is recognised globally as an exceptional example of a Unesco learning city and the Cork Lifelong Learning Festival is the foundation for this.

“We are simply thrilled that more than 400 events are scheduled to take place this year.

“There is a real appetite in Cork for learning and we owe a debt of gratitude to our event hosts, who annually join us in celebrating lifelong learning the way Cork does best.”

Events are free to attend and open to all. The programme this year includes performances, poetry, workshops, walks, and demonstrations. All events are hosted by volunteers, be they individuals, community organisations, private businesses, universities, schools, or colleges.

The free printed festival programme is now available in Cork City libraries, from host venues, and an online version is available at https://corklearningcity.ie/lifelong-learning-festival.

Organisers acknowledged the support of partners including Cork Education and Training Board, Cork City Council, MTU, UCC, HSE Cork Kerry Community Healthcare, NAPD, First South Credit Union, The River Lee Hotel, Blacknight, and The Echo.