Wellie throwing, a disco with a puppet, archery and a piece of Hollywood history are just some of the attractions lined up for this year's Kaleidoscope Music & Arts Festival.
The family-focused music and arts festival returns to Russborough House in Blessington, Co Wicklow from 30 June – 2 July and once again promises a weekend of gentle, relaxed and playful fun, with activities to entertain all members of the family.
Nile Rodgers & Chic, B*Witched, Gavin James, Fun Lovin' Criminals, Newton Faulkner, Róisín O, King Kong Company, Cairde, Jerry Fish, and the ever-popular Dublin Gospel Choir, are just some of the headline acts announced for the weekend.
As well as this, families can take part in mindfulness classes, movie-sing-alongs, a Disney disco, a viral-worthy dance challenge, acting, improv, and spoken word workshops, family runs and more.
We caught up with some of those taking part in the festival, and got a sneak peek at some thrills.
Guests will instantly spot a ferris wheel that may look familiar, and that's because it's a piece of Hollywood history, right here in Co Wicklow.
The vintage red and white ferris wheel is one of a number of antique funfair rides, collected and maintained by Trevor Cullen, and is believed to be the very ferris wheel used in the classic Hollywood film Grease.
Born to musician parents who both worked in fairgrounds, Cullen told RTÉ Lifestyle that he left the family business in 2007 for a number of years before returning with his own drive to step in as a custodian of sorts for vintage fairs.
Sourcing the rides took him from America to Germany and beyond, he added. "In fairness to Kaleidoscope, they like this niche, nuanced equipment that looks after mams and dads and kids."
As for maintaining them, he said it does take more work: "There's a lot more wood and it doesn't last too long, so we're constantly rebuilding, repainting. But we've got a good crew, people who are very interested in what they're doing."
When the opportunity to secure the ferris wheel came up, Cullen wasn't missing it. A contact in Cincinnati had bought it at auction, where he was told "under no uncertain terms" that it was the actual movie prop. "I think it is, through research", Cullen added.
For kids – or adults – with an adventurous streak, there's an ideal outlet for all that energy, with the Adventure Activities on site suitable for kids from 6 years upwards. Line up for some target practice at the archery tent, or try your hand at traversing the rope maze.
For the truly daring, there's even ziplining and a climbing wall, with plenty of guides and instructors on hand to keep you on course. Book in advance to secure your spot ahead of the weekend.
Just a short wander through the trees and past the fairy doors is Wonderland, where Collie Ennis, a conservationist and a research associate at Trinity College's zoology department, has set up shop to show visitors just some of the creatures he works with. Devoted to proving these animals and insects aren't to be feared, he gives an up close look at everything from toads and snails to lizards and snakes.
If scaly and slinky animals aren't your thing, guests can visit one of the newest attractions in the festival: an afternoon with alpacas. This year's festival will feature 20 alpacas, all on hand to chill out and soak up the good vibes together. We got to meet four of them, Midnight, Eoghan, Tom and Ted, who all gathered around for pets and cuddles straight away.
Speaking at the press day, "Alpaca Joe" of K2 Alpacas explained that their "meet and greet" service will allow guests to "get up close to the alpacas, they'll be able to get their selfies and photos with them".
"These guys are really good for both your mental and physical health", Joe continued, "so ideal for a festival like this because it grounds everybody."
If you're worried about the alpacas being overworked, don't be. Joe stressed that, "our jobs at Kaleidoscope are to mind our animals, so we make sure that they don't get stressed and we will put their welfare ahead of our customers.
"But we do it in such a way that our customers won't even notice it."
One thing you'll certainly notice is the tunes blasting out of the Boompaloompa Stage on Saturday, as Séamus the Pup and friends from RTÉjr host their Kid's Disco. With all kids and adults welcome to shake their monkey makers, it's sure to be a party.
Speaking exclusively to RTÉ Lifestyle, Séamus said he will be on hand to perk you up with their tunes. "It's going to be lots of energy and lots of dancing and loads of fun!
With so many kids roaming around the grounds, it can be hard to see everything in one day, so Séamus shared his advice on what to look out for: "They can look out for signs for RTÉjr and some bangin' beats and bangin' heads and bodies movin' and fingers clickin.'"
As for what he'll be getting up to once he's off the clock, Séamus said, "I'm going to go to some funky stages around here, but that Main Stage, definitely, that's where I want to be. It looks huge! There's all these tents and stuff like that, and a huge campsite as well, so everybody's going to be hanging out.
"You'll probably find me sniffing around a food truck, too."
As well as that, RTÉjr will have a host of activities to keep parents and kids entertained.
At 4pm-4:45pm in the eye-catching red the Ickle Big Top, Joe the magician from Dizzy Deliveries is going to show us some Lámh signs and perform some amazing magic. Meanwhile, at the Expression & Storytelling area kids can gather round to listen to some tall tales with Seanchaí and storyteller Hugh Cooney from 5pm-5:45pm.
For more information about the festival, visit here.
