Random Acts of Kindness Festival a big hit

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The Random Acts of Kindness Festival was held this weekend in Clonakilty.

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Organizers of the Clonakilty's Random Acts of Kindness Festival have been overwhelmed by the response to their idea for an event aimed at fostering positivity.

"We were hoping for some kind of small chain reaction but the response has been absolutely incredible," organizer Ger O'Donovan told the Irish Independent.

The event, created by Macra na Feirme and Clonakilty Youth Club members, started with a near-zero budget and no major corporate sponsors. The admission fee to the festival is only a smile and an act of kindness. It started Friday and runs until today(Sunday).

"The idea is for people to receive a random act of kindness on the street. It could be a cinema ticket or a token for a coffee. But they get a card asking them, in return, to undertake an act of kindness for someone else," organizers John and Theresa O'Leary explained.

Cards distributed to festival-goers say: "Now it's your turn to pay it forward."

"The reason the concept has caught attention is that it reminds everyone our greatest natural resource in Ireland is our people -- and you don't need to spend huge amounts of money to enjoy yourself," said Mr O'Donovan.

Three bands -- Re Nua, The BPositives and StanZa Traffic -- donated their performances for free and several volunteers agreed to provide face-painting, bubble displays, street theatre, historical walks and music.

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