Bernice Harrisonon alternatives to movies and the mall
Recharge Festival
People’s Park, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin
After a very grey week the optimistic types at Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council think it’s time to cheer everyone up a bit. Its Recharge Festival takes place tomorrow with the aim of lifting spirits and making what one expert believes to be nearly the most depressing day of the year a lot more cheerful.
Health psychologist Dr Cliff Arnall, who is based at Cardiff University, devised a formula to work out the worst day of the year; he says January 21st will be the blues day for 2009. His calculation is based on the poorest weather, debts owed for seasonal spending, the time since Christmas, the period of time before you abandon New Year’s resolutions, and the dates when motivation levels seem to be at their lowest. With luck, most children won’t need cheering up because of our economic woes – more the fact that they’re back to school and next Christmas is very far away.
What's onThe festival is geared around children, so expect colourful street entertainment, giant inflatable games, bouncy castles, a children's make-and-do corner, face painters and music. All events are free, and the Victorian park is a lovely place even when there's nothing special on.
When and wherePeople's Park, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin. Tomorrow, noon-3pm.
Get thereOn the Dart or the 46a bus from central Dublin.
[ www.dlrevents.ie ]