Applications for Waterford City and County Council’s Grants Scheme for Festivals and Events 2026 now open
The application process for Waterford City and County Council’s Festivals & Events Grants Scheme 2026 is now open for applications. The scheme aims to support events across Waterford which help contribute towards making Waterford a more vibrant and sustainable place.
Following the success of some of last year’s festivals offering a more environmental and greener agenda, this year’s application, once again, has an emphasis on sustainability. The Local Authority is looking to work with festivals and events on delivering Waterford’s goal of becoming Ireland’s first carbon-neutral area.
Festivals and events are encouraged to highlight a range of sustainability measures, such as the use of an innovative form of renewable energy through Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO), an outright ban on all single-use plastics and where possible the provision of onsite refill water stations.
For 2025, Waterford City and County Council approved the allocation of €1,671,107 in festival and event funding to aid the development and promotion of 71 festivals and events that have an economic, tourism, cultural/artistic or community benefit for Waterford.
Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan said, “Arts, creativity and music are integral to the very fabric of Waterford.In 2025, 71 Council-supported festivals brought light, laughter, music and creativity to the streets of Waterford city and county.
“I would hope to see even more festivals added to the calendar in 2026 and would encourage artists, creatives, musicians, and directors to apply so we can continue to showcase Waterford as a sustainable place where artistry, creativity and talent shine.”
Sean McKeown, Chief Executive, Waterford City and County Council added, “Waterford City and County Council is committed to supporting local talent and fostering community spirit, and this grants scheme is a fantastic opportunity for established, new and niche festivals to apply for funding.
“As Ireland’s Best Place to Live, our quality of life is buoyed by the vibrancy and excitement that Waterford’s unique festivals never fail to deliver.It’s not only those who live in Waterford that benefit, but these events draw large numbers of visitors who generate valuable spend, thus boosting the local economy.”
Applications must be submitted online at www.waterfordfestivals.ie where applicants can access the T’s & C’s and resources to assist in delivering their event.
The closing date for applications is 4pm, Friday, October 24th, 2025.
