Waterford’s Lit festival continues this weekend, with the ninth edition scheduled for 9–11 October. The event is built around reading, writing and creative activity led by and for young people.

Fáilte Ireland’s current listing describes a core programme for ages 14–19, alongside activities for families and younger children. The subjects range from poetry and spoken word to theatre-making, storytelling and drawing.

That range makes it important to check the audience for the particular session you want. The existence of a family activity does not mean every performance or workshop is designed for young children.

Follow the interest, then check the session

The listing highlights rap, spoken word and activism with Mikey Cullen; theatre-making with Niamh Fennessy; a myth-making discussion involving Ruth Ennis and Ellen Ryan; and a draw-along for under-12s with Sarah Bowie.

Those are different ways into books and stories. A teenager interested in performing may choose differently from someone who wants to talk about writing or take part in a visual activity.

Use the official festival programme to confirm the day, time, venue and booking conditions for the session. This article does not confirm remaining ticket availability or suggest that one booking covers the whole programme.

A useful weekend for a reluctant festival-goer

For someone unsure about attending a literary event, start with a format they already enjoy. Drawing, role-playing, listening to spoken word or discussing a story can provide a clearer reason to go than a vague promise to read more.

Plan one session and leave room for the rest of the day. Ask whether the activity is participatory, whether accompanying adults need a ticket and whether any access arrangements must be agreed in advance.

The final festival day is Sunday 11 October, so readers should distinguish this weekend’s listings from old programme pages when searching online. Check the year as well as the date, and follow the organiser’s current booking links.

The programme information here comes from the organiser’s current listing and Fáilte Ireland’s event page. The Press has not attended or reviewed the performances.