The school children's favourite singer and storyteller, Tom Sweeney will be appearing at the Ardhowen Theatre on Saturday, July 5 at 3pm.

Tom has entertained generations of children with his endless store of happy songs that many children remember long after primary school.

"It's amazing", says Tom, "how many teenagers and young people even into their twenties stop me along the street and tell me they still remember the songs we sang together in primary school. Some even sing me a verse or two there and then!"

Throughout the year Tom does primary school performances three days a week and and has covered the entire North on a regular basis for more years than he cares to remember.

"Take Enniskillen and surrounding districts", Tom says, "over the years I have performed to the children in every single school in the area, both urban and rural and continue to do so. However, I find myself travelling and playing less these days and that really suits me – which is why I decided I would take my show to the Ardhowen Theatre and play for a whole lot of the children at the one time. There has always been a great bond between us, they trust me and we have a great understanding of each other. It's quite amazing really. They love the songs we sing."

With real family shows becoming rarer, it is all the more special when grandparents, parents and children all join in the fun of singing and dancing together.

Sweeney says, "Childhood get's shorter every year. It is imperative that children remain in their 'child zone' for as long as they can. They meet the real world soon enough and children's songs, stories and games make them better prepared for that growing up".

On the recording front Tom has produced nine CDs for children over the years and these are eagerly awaited by children, parents and teachers alike. Beginning with In The Mood For Singing the other CDs are Happy Songs For Children, A Family Christmas, Grandad's Farm, Sleepytime, The Ninepenny Fiddle (CD and book), Bible Stories For Children, Tom Sings 45 Nursery Rhymes and his latest, Irish Legends For Children.

For a real family 'sing-a-long' and 'knees up' for the summer do yourself and children a favour, see Tom and his brilliant Skinnymarink Band at the Ardhowen Theatre in Enniskillen on Saturday, July 5 at 3pm.

As a summer treat Tom is offering any two of his CDs for the price of one at the Enniskillen performance.