This’ll turn your frown upside down.

Joy In The Park will host its inaugural event in Fitzgerald’s Park in Cork on the afternoon of Sunday, July 17th, 2022.

A fun-filled family afternoon, the event is promising a quirky and eclectic mix of live music, spoken word, storytelling, children’s entertainment, circus, workshops, wellness activities alongside a delicious food market.

It’s all free too so you can pack a picnic and enjoy a day out with the gang, even if you’re on a budget.

Created in partnership with Cork Mental Health Foundation, organisers say Joy In The Park will be “a celebration of life, whilst highlighting the importance of minding our mental health and well-being through bringing the community together and finding our joy.”

Indie legend and ringmaster Jerry Fish will be performing on the John McCarthy Main Stage alongside innovative, world music band, KILA and Cork Ska favourites and Pontious Pilate and The Nail Drivers.

Here are some other highlights to check out:

• A diverse programme of performances will take place throughout the afternoon, including the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party Tent, hosting the acoustic stage headlined by Cork native and renowned songwriter John Spillane and featuring some of Ireland’s finest musicians; the Joy Sylvie Spoken Word Stage presenting a superb line-up of poetry, hiphop and spoken word as well as a magical musical experience with Cork Pops Ensemble.
• The Couch Sessions in association with Minding Creative Minds, Ireland’s first 24/7 (32 county and our Irish overseas) wellbeing support programme for the entire Irish creative sector, will bring the living room outside, hosting a number of mental health panels and podcast interviews.
• A Sensory & Wellness Haven will create a space of serenity, forming the backdrop for the shimmering and soothing sounds of the Cork Community Gamelan, a Javanese gong and percussion ensemble.
• The Cork Circus Factory will entertain families with their dynamic shows and the chance to participate in their workshops following the performances, whilst various happenings will take place throughout the park including the parade of the Pompous Creatures presented by the Cork Puppetry Company, a New Orleans jazz procession by Rebel Brass and Rap A’Mile by Cork’s young rappers as part of the Music Generation Cork City Programme.

The free event is open to the public from 12noon until 6pm on Sunday, July 17th, 2022. See joyinthepark.com for more.