In the run up to much talked about ‘WTF-What The Festival?’, A youth event which took place in the twin towns of Killaloe and Ballina on Saturday, excitement was the main emotion around the day. The festival began with ‘Feile Na nOg’ in 2010 when it was set up by group of young people from the Ballina/Killaloe area to provide events for teenagers during ‘Feile Brian Boru’. Since that it has grown in size and credibility, and is a time much anticipated and enjoyed by people both in the locality and further afield!

Photo from left to right: (Back) Robert Meaney. (Centre) Emma Ryan, Aoife Watson, Orla Watson, Amy Butler, Rowan Stainsby, Kevin Sheedy. (Front) Dean McInerney, Taine Amodeo, Siun Moriarty, Eoin Bourke Maguire, Liswa McDonald.

This year, as part of the Ballina/Killaloe Youth Initiative the group packed their usual week, into one explosive day and ladled it the appropriate title of, ‘WTF?’. Though the weather didn’t hold up, the day was still jam packed with music, food, art, performances and most of all, fun! The musical talent shone in a wide majority with genres from acoustic to funk, and performers from Limerick to Bray, diversity was key! With both a main stage and the wonderfully unusual ‘Pop-Up Playhouse’ an inflatable venue, there was a non stop flow of head bopping throughout the day.
Also the event featured a youth market with produce from the local favourites ‘Scoops Ice Cream Parlour’ and ‘Bake Away’ as well as goods made by the teenagers, crafts, face and body painting, video diaries and two huge graffiti ‘cubes’ which were covered in wild and creative pieces. The day finished off with an acoustic and Dj set to leave everyone going home with a feel good feeling, this was most certainly achieved. An incredible day was had by all!