Limerick Lifelong Learning Festival 2014 April 7-13

7-13

Limerick Lifelong Learning Festival 2014

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Attending the Life Long Learning Launch was Kamal Ibrahim. Picture: Alan Place.

Proving there is always something new to learn, Limerick’s Lifelong Learning Festival is back for the fourth year running with over 200 events and activities to interest, entertain and engage people of all ages. The 2014 Limerick Lifelong Learning Festival takes place April 7 – 13 and was launched at King John’s Castle by television host, actor and creative writer, Kamal Ibrahim, accompanied by the Mayor of Limerick, Cllr. Kathleen Leddin, the Cathaoirleach of County Limerick, Cllr. John Sheahan, the medieval Knights of Desmond and fire eaters. This year’s festival theme ‘Your Learning – Your Culture’ links with Limerick’s City of Culture to bring an incredibly varied selection of performances, debates, taster sessions, tours, demonstrations and workshops.

From medieval pilgrimages to getting to grips with Google, all the events are open to the public and are organised and run by community groups, schools and organisations across the city and county providing everyone with the opportunity to join in. The festival is organised by the Limerick Learning Region Steering Group.

Festival Co-ordinator, Yvonne Lane, said: “With the festival now in its fourth year, it is wonderful that the number of events and partners involved in running events continues to grow. Our expanded Limerick Learning Region Steering Group now includes a broader range of sectors involved in learning across Limerick City and County; and this is reflected in our fantastic programme of events this year. There really is something for everyone!”

Entry is free throughout the week to all events. The selection of events spans across a wide variety of areas such as arts and crafts, music and dancing, sports and leisure, caring and health studies, gardening and horticulture, activities for children and young people, as well as many events exploring more traditional education and training areas.

Chair of the Steering Group, Mary Hamilton, Limerick & Clare Education & Training Board, said: “The Lifelong Learning Festival programme aims to promote learning and enjoyment through involvement in the wide variety of visual and performing arts and cultural activities that we are so lucky to have on our doorstep here in the Limerick region. Such events include an Architectural Treasure Hunt in Adare and Art Workshops for Kids in Limerick School of Art & Design that will also welcome the engagement of parents and teachers.”

Mayor of Limerick, Cllr. Kathleen Leddin, was also hugely positive in her speech. “Being encouraged to learn new things and having the personal desire to do so are key components of the lifelong learning process. I would urge anyone wishing to broaden their experiences to consider taking part in some of events that have been arranged for this festival,” she said.

Cathaoirleach, Cllr. John Sheahan, said: “This festival provides an opportunity for everyone, no matter what stage of life they are at, to learn something new and to broaden their skills base. Lifelong learning is good for the mind, can improve one’s social interaction with others, and it also engenders a sense of community spirit. The festival promotes and celebrates learning in all its forms and for all ages, and provides a tremendous opportunity to promote Limerick City and County as a Region of Learning.”

The online radio station iMix of Limerick College of Further Education (LCFE) will become the ‘voice of the festival’ again this year by dedicating all of its programming across the week to the Festival, streaming live audio on www.imixradio.ie.

Free copies of the 2014 Festival Programme are now available throughout Limerick and on www.Limerick.ie/LoveLearning with daily updates also on Facebook ‘Limerick Lifelong Learning Festival’ and on Twitter @LimerickLearningFest.

To see older stories about the Lifelong Learning Festival go HERE.