Circus and trapeze artists at Barretstown charity picnic this Sunday
The countdown is on for the annual Big Picnic taking place at the magnificent Barretstown Estate to support the life-changing work of Ireland’s largest and most established organisation providing therapeutic programmes to children affected by cancer and other serious illnesses.
The Big Picnic 2023 promises to be bigger and better than ever at the Kildare based charity with a fantastic line-up of activities for all to enjoy from spectacular acts at Fossett’s Circus to mind-blowing magicians, trapeze artists, face-painting, music, dance and much more!
All visitors need to do is pack the sunblock and a picnic basket and blanket and get set for a superb family day out for both young and old alike.
To date, Barretstown has supported over 85,000 children and their families affected by serious illness through the delivery of its research informed, medically endorsed therapeutic programmes.
The Big Picnic is an important event for the children’s health charity who are inviting people to gather in Barretstown, soak up the atmosphere, savour the fun and excitement and raise vital funds for the charity to continue their life-changing work. For all those who cannot attend the Barretstown Big Picnic, the option is there to host your own event and lend your support to a superb cause.
CEO Dee Ahearn, Barretstown said; “The Big Picnic provides a magnificent opportunity to highlight the work that is taking place at Barretstown to support children affected by cancer and other serious illnesses, and to simultaneously demonstrate to the public why continued support is needed to underpin the delivery of our life-changing therapeutic programmes.
“To date we have helped over 85,000 children affected by serious illnesses and this year alone we estimate that over 4,000 children will attend Barretstown residential camps. Events like the Big Picnic play a critical role in the delivery of our medically endorsed therapeutic programmes.
“Further to this, it also supports our ambition to help as many children as possible affected by serious illness- while hospitals treat the illness, Barretstown treats the child and plays a key role in helping each child to rebuild their confidence.
“We are looking forward to welcoming as many people as possible to the Barretstown Campus for an event that is shaping up to be quite spectacular. It’s a day to celebrate and to experience the magic of Barretstown and to play a major part in the work of Barretstown.”
The picnic takes place this Sunday, July 16 at the Barretstown Estate from 11am to 4.30pm.
Barretstown was founded by Hollywood actor Paul Newman in 1994 and modelled on his renowned Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Connecticut, USA.
The services are entirely free of charge, so donations and fundraising efforts are vital for the charity to help more sick children experience the magic of Barretstown each year. Barretstown receives just 2% government funding and is supported by donations and the fundraising efforts of corporate supporters, individuals, and community groups.