Wonderfest 2014 - Was it really that bad?

We've just come back from a weekend glamping at Wonderfest 2014 in Malahide. It was a weekend of self imposed offline-ness, so it wasn't until today that I caught up with all the negative publicity being generated on Facebook and beyond about the inaugural event.

Some of the issues raised were completely founded. Some people however seemed to be enjoying the public lashing a little too much.

I can only speak from my own experience - so here's how it went for us.

Check in was supposedly open from 6pm on Friday night. The early birds dutifully queued up ready to be admitted to the camping area. In hindsight it was a good time to get the queuing practice in - as it was going to be needed for the weekend. 40 minutes late and with no explanations they finally opened to the hatches to hand out the wristbands. Not a great start.

The glamping area was lovely, but on opening the tents there was a lot of confusion - two single inflatable mattresses per family. The poor festival staff were getting chased around the site by the poor campers trying to grab an extra mattress for the night. There were lists made, lists ignored, miscommunication and much grumpiness. We made the most of our extra duvets and blankets and bedded down happily enough. By the same time the following night the mattress fiasco was sorted. But still...

A brief moment of clear blue skies. 

Happy Camper

The next morning we set off for the free sunrise tour of Malahide Castle which was fab. Then on for free coffee, kids drinks and a gift from the Avoca cafe in the courtyard grounds. Unfortunately the communication issues continued and it seemed the Avoca staff hadn't actually been made fully aware of the arrangement. Oops.

Oh Deer

The castle, grounds and garden were lovely and there was lots of opportunity to wander and explore.

Then it was on to the festival itself.

The events on offer were a mixed bag with some considerably better than others. There were long queues for anything decent - the climbing wall (which disappeared after the first day), the Trinity College Makeshop, the bungee trampolines, even the bouncy castle - which were barely even up on the first day due to the wind and lack of staff. The magic and science shows were good, but the schedules kept changing so it was very much pot luck as to what you happened upon at any one time.

Free drinks at the lovely Vita Coco beach bar (non alcoholic of course)

Watching Knights of Leon with the rest of the audience

Since there wasn't enough to keep the kids occupied for the weekend in the festival grounds there was plenty of exploring of the area to be done. 

First up - a free rickshaw ride into town.

And then on to the beach

Poking Jellyfish on Malahide Strand

Sunrise at Malahide Marina

The festival had also organised free sailing and kayaking lessons - but they were sadly booked out before we called earlier that week. I also heard complaints that the complimentary transport to and from the site to the sailing school turned out to be non existent. 

Night times at the tent were cosy and fun. What kid doesn't love camping - especially when it involves a big bonfire and 'fire' twirlers. 

We had a really wonderful weekend, but the festival itself was a big disappointment. It is a great idea and has such potential - it was just badly organised and didn't live up to the promises it offered. The weather didn't really help either as it was mostly cold and cloudy - something no one can blame the organisers for. 

All in all I'm glad we did it. But I think it's safe to say we'll be booking the amazing Body and Soul next year instead. 

The weekend did give me one of my favourite photos of the year though - so all is forgiven!

How to make Loom Band Footless Sandals

Finally my child has created something with Loom Bands worth posting about. It's no £170,000 dress, but I think they're pretty clever.

The best thing about them though is that they are incredibly easy, so no having to deal with tantrums or strops after your child has spent eight hours trying to figure out how to do something and then failing at the last step of the process. (We've all been there).

So here they are: Loom Band Footless Sandals.

Step 1:
Take a normal Loom Band Bracelet and put it on your ankle.

Step 2:
Make another longer one but don't clip the ends together.

Step 3:
Put two loom bands together for your 'toe ring' and then clip one end of the long loom band piece to it, and the other end to your ankle bracelet.

Et voila!

Pretty and clever!

Powerscourt Gardens - Things to do in Wicklow

Last week we took full advantage of the glorious sunshine and the Easter holidays and spent a long lazy morning at Powerscourt Gardens which very fortunately for us are just a stones throw up the road.

I've been visiting Powerscourt Estate since I was a young child and I love it every bit as much now as I did then. There is so much to do and see and in recent years the different areas have been developed in the best possible ways - with an Avoca cafe and beautiful stores located at the gardens and a fun filled playground at the Waterfall. Everything else remains at it's historical and naturally beautiful best.

Here's a selection of what's on offer - but don't take my word for it - if you are in Wicklow now or in the future make sure you make it there.

For more info go to the Powerscourt website. 

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How to build an Exploding Volcano

My Diary of a Netmum series continues on Netmums Channel,. This week we built an exploding volcano!

(Or should that be dribbling volcano...?)



We took this on as a half-term project - slowly building the volcano with layers of papier mache, letting a layer dry each day and finally painting it before setting the 'explosion' in motion!

Once we had finished with it the kids took it into school with them with some extra supplies of vinegar and baking soda. Their teachers and classmates loved getting involved.

Definitely worth the effort!

Linking up with Science Sparks and Red Ted Art.