Waterford City and County Council has approved the allocation of €1,653,557 in funding to aid the development and promotion of festivals and events across Waterford City and County in 2024.
The figure represents a 6 per cent increase on last year’s funding allocation.
In 2024 the allocation will support 71 festivals and events throughout the city and county.
In addition to the mainstay big-ticket festivals such as Spraoi International Street Arts Festival, West Waterford Festival of Food, Waterford Harvest Festival, Blackwater Valley Opera Festival and Winterval, Waterford will have fourteen new festivals in 2024, including Lismore Community Festival, Waterford International Comic Art Festival and Waterford Pet Awards and Doggie Day Out.
Speaking following the adoption of the Festival and Events Grants for 2024 Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway said, “As Mayor I am delighted that Waterford City and County Council is showing true intent in supporting our vast array of artists, musicians, entertainers, producers and creatives.
“Whether the festivals are well-established or new additions to the calendar, they have one trait in common…they are a true reflection of the talent, creativity and passion that Waterford’s communities have in spades.”
Michael Quinn, Director of Services with Waterford City and County Council added, “Waterford City and County Council has always been committed to supporting strong community spirit, in the form of festivals and events. 2024 will see that community spirit feature prominently throughout the year, with festivals bookending the year, starting in January and running right through to the 12th Winterval Christmas Festival, in what is officially set to be the European City of Christmas in 2024.”
“Waterford has always produced an entertaining, inclusive, and eclectic programme of events throughout the year. This year we are particularly pleased to add fourteen new festivals to the list of funding and we look forward to seeing the range of new and distinctive events making their mark on the city and county.”
A full breakdown of the funding allocations can be viewed here
For your latest Waterford News and Sport, click here.