A Lurgan-based charity with a focus on supporting women facing breast cancer with “kindness, comfort and care” is set to launch a “magical celebration” to enable it to reach even more women who need their support.
Knitted Knockers are the charity behind The Dusty Bluebell Fairy Festival, which is due to take place in the grounds of Lurgan Park this Friday (May 2).
As a charity, Knitted Knockers have, since 2016, specialised in creating “soft, handmade breast prostheses” free of charge, for women who have undergone mastectomies, lumpectomies or other breast surgeries.
Their event organised to benefit both Knitted Knockers NI and Breast Friends Clubhouse – a social and creative space for Breast Cancer warriors – invites participants to “step into a world of fairy folklore, music and creativity”, from 5pm to 9pm.
The day will boast a variety of live performances, craft stalls and plenty of magical surprises – with Taylor Swift NI, Spade Town, Lurgan Ukes and local singer and songwriter Emma Reynolds featuring as very special guests on the day.
Thanks to funding by The National Lottery Community Fund Awards for All, an array of exciting costumes have been designed as part of a sewing project to ensure the Fairy Guardians are in their best attire to guide children through the Dusty’s Fairy Tree Quest!
Providing the perfect family day out, they will have “walk-about characters” throughout the evening, fairy-themed crafts and face painting.
A highlight of the event will also include a “miniature garden competition”, where visitors can enter a handmade miniature garden for just £1 entry fee.
Judging will be split into classes of 4-6 years, 7-9 years, 10-12 years, 13-17 years and Adults 18+.
Regulations include that gardens should be made in a tin or box of a maximum 20cm x 30cm size. All entries should be “fairy-themed” and display a label with your name that should be covered with tape or plastic for waterproofing.
Competition entries should be dropped off at the fountain, Lurgan Park by 5.30pm on May 2 and collected by 9pm. Extra points will be awarded for the use of natural and recycled materials.
Once judging is complete the winners will be announced by The Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Sarah Duffy.
Prizes for the winners of the competition have been kindly sponsored by Lurgan Townscape Heritage Scheme, Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council, Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland, Breast Friends Clubhouse Northern Ireland, Michella Southam.
And that’s not all, according to organisers, you can “come for the magic but stay for the food”. The Dusty Bluebell Fairy Festival will also play host to a number of food trucks including FoodPath, Rosemount Cottage Farm Meats, Penelope’s Perfect Pitstop Pitstop, Jamie’s Donuts, Luna Bean and many more.
Every donation made on the day will go directly to Knitted Knockers and Breast Friends Clubhouse.
Entry to the event is free and it is open to all ages.
You can find more information about The Dusty Bluebell Fairy Festival here.
