Waterford Harvest Festival is continuing across the city this weekend, with a packed programme of food, music, family activities and entertainment taking place today, Saturday, September 5, and tomorrow, Sunday, September 6.

The annual festival, which celebrates Waterford’s food, culture and local businesses, returned to the city on Friday and continues throughout the weekend, with events taking place across the city centre and at Ballybricken Green.

Harvest Festival Market takes over the city centre

One of the main attractions this weekend is the Harvest Festival Market, which is taking place today from 12pm to 8pm.

The market stretches across John Roberts Square, Michael Street, Arundel Square, Gladstone Street and O’Connell Street, with a wide selection of food and craft traders.

Visitors can find a range of food from local and Irish-based producers, including seafood, fresh pasta, Mexican food, Indian street food, noodles, crepes, falafel, roast food, baked potatoes and more.

The market will return tomorrow, Sunday, from 12pm to 6pm.

The Old Quarter brings Ballybricken Green to life

A new addition to this year’s festival is The Old Quarter at Ballybricken Green, celebrating the history, character and community of one of Waterford’s most historic areas.

Today and tomorrow, the area will host a range of free activities from 12pm to 6pm, including live music, arts workshops, family activities and opportunities to meet alpacas.

The Waterford Academy of Music and Arts will also host interactive music and art workshops for children and teenagers, while the East Waterford Beekeepers Association will showcase honey from around the world and an observation hive.

The programme at Ballybricken Green is free, with sensory-friendly activities taking place from 12pm to 1pm.

Music and entertainment across Broad Street

There will also be free live entertainment on Broad Street throughout the weekend.

Today’s programme includes performances from Roy Buckley from 4.30pm to 5.30pm, followed by The Glitterbugs from 6pm to 8pm.

Tomorrow, Sunday, the entertainment continues with The Murphy Sisters from 1.30pm to 2.45pm, Dàwna from 3pm to 4pm and Brian Kennedy from 4.30pm to 6pm.

Food and dining experiences continue

Food remains at the centre of the festival, with a number of special dining experiences taking place across the weekend.

Tonight, Mara on O’Connell Street will host a special collaboration dinner from 6pm to 9pm, bringing chefs Luis Martin and JP McMahon together for a one-night-only tasting menu.

Tomorrow, Bodega on John Street will host its Harvest Cocktails & Cuisine Lunch from 2.30pm, featuring four courses paired with four cocktails for €69.

A special Afternoon Tea Cruise aboard the Barrow Princess will also take place tomorrow from 2.30pm to 4.30pm, although the event is sold out.

Road closures remain in place

Motorists are being reminded that a number of road closures are in place across Waterford city centre for the remainder of the festival.

Closures which began on Friday will remain in place until 10pm tomorrow, Sunday, September 6.

Affected roads include Arundel Square, Peter Street, Michael Street North, Broad Street, Barronstrand Street, Georges Street, Blackfriars Lane, Arundel Lane, Little Patrick Street, Bakehouse Lane, Patrick Street, Sargents Lane, O’Connell Street and Gladstone Street.

Johns Street in the Applemarket is also closed from 6am today until 10pm tomorrow.

Diversion routes are in place and are being signposted. Access to city-centre car parks remains available, although some individual access routes are affected.

The Peter Street taxi rank is closed for the duration of the festival, with the nearest main taxi rank located on Patrick Street.

Emergency access will be maintained at all times.

Residents living on affected streets have been asked to move vehicles from the closed areas, while businesses have been advised to avoid deliveries where possible during the festival period.

Festival continues tomorrow

With the festival now entering its second day, visitors can expect another full day of food, entertainment and family activities across Waterford.

The Waterford Harvest Festival will continue throughout Sunday, September 6, with the market, activities at Ballybricken Green and free entertainment on Broad Street all forming part of the final day of this year’s festival.