The Summer Sing Children’s Festival takes place in Cork City from 14 to 18 July 2025, offering a week-long programme of music, storytelling, and creative workshops for children aged 5 to 15. Organised by Eventi Management, this annual event, held at a culturally significant location in Cork, aims to foster artistic expression through a multidisciplinary approach. The festival, now in its 13th year, provides a platform for young participants to explore their creativity, culminating in a unique performance that showcases their voices and ideas. Visitors can expect an inclusive and engaging experience that celebrates the talents of Cork’s youth.
The festival’s programme centres on dynamic workshops led by a team of industry professionals, focusing on singing, storytelling, and collaborative performance creation. Children are guided to develop a multidisciplinary show, incorporating their own ideas into a final performance presented on the last day, 18 July, at a venue to be confirmed, though past events have used spaces like Triskel Christchurch. Interactive activities encourage participants to express their individuality through music and movement, with tailored resources provided to support learning.
In previous years, the festival adapted to online formats, enabling children to contribute performances from their local environments, such as gardens, which were then compiled into a digital finale. For 2025, the festival is expected to return to in-person activities, with a focus on accessibility, including initiatives like sign language integration for deaf and hard-of-hearing participants, as seen in 2014 collaborations with the Cork Deaf Association. Parents are welcome to attend the final performance, typically held in the afternoon, and are advised to provide packed lunches for their children due to dietary considerations, such as nut allergies.
Summer Sing was founded in 2012 by Eventi Management, a Cork-based arts organisation, with the goal of nurturing children’s creativity through music and storytelling. The festival emerged to fill a gap in Cork’s cultural landscape, offering a dedicated children’s arts event that prioritises inclusivity and self-expression. It has since grown into a cherished annual tradition, supported by partners like RTÉ and the Cork Deaf Association, and has reached hundreds of young participants. The festival’s commitment to accessibility and community engagement has made it a unique offering, distinct from larger events like the Cork Midsummer Festival. Its founders at Eventi Management aimed to create an environment where children from all backgrounds could explore their artistic potential, a vision that continues to shape the programme.
The festival is currently led by Creative Director Robbie Pender, who oversees its artistic direction and ensures the programme remains innovative and inclusive. Under Pender’s leadership, Summer Sing has maintained its focus on empowering young voices while expanding its reach through professional mentorship and community partnerships. The 2025 edition is expected to draw around 180 participants, based on past attendance, and will likely feature guest performers, as seen in previous years with artists like Orla O’Sullivan.
Visitors, particularly families, can expect a welcoming and creative atmosphere, with opportunities to see children perform in a professionally supported setting. The festival’s location in Cork City, accessible by public transport, adds to its appeal, with nearby attractions like Fitzgerald’s Park complementing the experience. Summer Sing offers a meaningful opportunity for children to engage with the arts, leaving participants and audiences with a sense of community and shared creativity.
