Well that was Blooming Brilliant!
We’re so delighted to have played a role in making Bord Bia Bloom 2022 such a monumental success in the Phoenix Park Dublin over the June bank holiday weekend.
We brought Johnny Magory’s World to nearly 150,000 people and enjoyed every second of it (even the baltic, lashing, side-ways rain on Sunday!)
We set up on the Wednesday thanks to the help of my amazing family and friends who’d been working behind the scenes for weeks on end building up to the event. The sun was splitting the stones, Tizzy the van sailed up the N4 and all went great.
We arrived on site Thursday morning not knowing what to expect but shortly found out we were understaffed and under pressure! The crowds of little people began arriving into our little world where we read books and of course played music and had the craic.
Children’s Yoga & Movement
Sarah Cahill from Play Like Apes yoga was on hand with nature inspired yoga and movement for the little ones which was such a hit. From Gorilla’s to Bears to Crocodiles and everything in between. Everyone really loved Sarah and the magic she brings out in our children.
ReWilding
We planted over 1000 seed bombs of native Irish wildflowers sending them far and wide across Ireland to help save the bees. We had bought these from www.SeedBomb.ie. Rewilding is so important to us here, and playing a small role like this was such a wonderful feeling.
We also made countless wonderful wild art structures in our canvas bell tent.
Each day Johnny took to the stage and we read books and had the craic dancing with children and parents alike. So much fun. The Beach Book Spraoi by the Sea was particularly well received along with The Magical Wild, the first book and a classic at this point. We also sold out of tin-whistles at the event!
I’ve mentioned above, we got soaked on Sunday and spirits did dip a little but we bounced back for Monday, our last day. The sun warmed us up and we played out our final day in the park with happy hearts.
The big dismantle was much quicker than anticipated and we were home in bed by 10pm that night!
Thank You’s
These days would not have been possible without the help of Amanda, Eimear, Faye and of course Sarah.
It of course wouldn’t have been possible full stop without the help and work by the following. My mammy and daddy, my hubby Dave, neighbour Jim and my little brother Pádraig. And also Darren who drove the truck up.
I’m sure I’m forgetting some people but wow lads, it really takes a village.
Thanks to everyone who visited us. Thanks to everyone who said our area had been the highlight of their child’s visit.
We’re looking forward to 2023 already and bringing a bigger and better Johnny Magory World to masses.
Blooming Brilliant What?!
EJ