Fingal Age Friendly Hosts a Spectacular Vintage Picnic 2024 at Swords Castle

Approximately 700 people attended Vintage Picnic hosted by Age Friendly Fingal on Thursday 25 July 2024 in Swords Castle.  This lively festival offered an afternoon of creativity, music, dance, and exercise for over 55s and was testament to the enthusiastic and motivated older people of Fingal.

Those in attendance participated in a wide range of workshops, including graffiti art, mandala creation, vintage clothing demonstrations, and tie-dyeing. For those inclined towards physical activities, professional instructors led sessions in Yoga, Zumba, and Tai Chi, allowing participants to try out new activities, or simply relax and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Light garden games were provided by the Fingal Sports Department, and for those needing a bit of relaxation, chair massages were available.  For aspiring musicians, workshops in African Drumming, Ukelele and Bodhrán were provided by tutors from the IIMS, Balbriggan. 

The crowd were entertained with live musical performances from local groups; Gerry and the Plonkers from Donabate and the Blanchardstown Ukulele Group (BUGS), showcasing the talents of Fingal’s older residents.  The headline acts, the Blue Bells, and the Ronan Collins Showband, created a festive atmosphere that reverberated throughout the grounds and brought the crowd to their feet. 

Vintage Picnic 2024, which was attended by Fingal County Council’s Chief Executive AnnMarie Farrelly, the Mayor of Fingal Cllr Brian McDonagh and Minister Darragh O’Brien as well as our local Councillors, brought together older people from across Fingal in an environment that fostered connections and new learning experiences.  Most importantly Vintage Picnic highlighted the need to provide new opportunities for older people, to continue to learn, develop and grow, and to have fun! 

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Brian Mc Donagh said, “I was delighted to attend this great event in Swords Castle which is being enjoyed by our Fingal residents of the over 55’s generation.  Their enthusiasm and willingness to have a go at all the many activities is fantastic to see. As well as their ongoing invaluable contributions to society they are an inspiration to us all showing that life is meant to be celebrated, whatever our age.”

AnnMarie Farrelly, Fingal County Council’s Chief Executive said ‘I was delighted to see everyone enjoying the opportunity to meet up with old friends and new at Vintage Picnic. Fingal County Council is dedicated to ensuring that Fingal is a county where people can feel valued and access the services they need to thrive, fully participate, and enjoy life as they age. Vintage Picnic as well as being a really enjoyable event, is an inspiring showcase of the many activities which can be enjoyed by older adults in Fingal.’

Naomi Weir, Senior Executive Officer, Community Development Department said “It was great to see so many people at Vintage Picnic, showcasing their talents, trying out new experiences, meeting friends and relaxing inside the beautiful Castle Walls in Swords.  The rich and varied life experiences, skills, wisdom, and positive energy that older people bring to their communities across Fingal is priceless. With the fast growth which we are experiencing in Fingal, it is very important that we continue to celebrate and support the place of our older people in the community.   They play a key role in our work to empower strong and inclusive communities right across Fingal”