Joy in the Park: Music, poetry and a mad hatter's tea party 

The inaugural family fun day is named after a woman who 'brought happiness to everyone who met her'

The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Colm Kelleher, Martin Ryan, HSE Connecting For Life; Brendan McCarthy, Cork Mental Health Foundation; Linda Plover, Joy In The Park; Gabriel Rossi, Cork Circus Factory; Eimear Hallahan (saxophone) Rebel Brass and Luca Andreoni (sousaphone) Rebel Brass. Picture: Brian Lougheed

The colour purple, the mad hatter, eclectic music, vibrant poetry, fun and joy are some of the things you can expect at Fitzgerald’s Park in Cork this summer. With a carnival atmosphere, the inaugural family fun day, Joy In The Park, takes place on Sunday, July 17 and promises to be a fun-filled day celebrating life, the power of words and theatre, connection, and support for our wellbeing.

Set in the quiet retreat of Fitzgerald’s Park, with its tree-lined avenues away from the bustle of the city, the park will be transformed with a festival feel. The Cork Circus Factory will entertain both children and adults alike with their dynamic performances and the Cork Puppetry Company will parade their 'Pompous Creatures' to complete the carnival vibe.