Spraoi and Harvest September Offerings Cancelled
Due to updated COVID-19 government guidelines, organisers of both A Celebration of Harvest and Spraoi Time 2020 programmes have announced their cancellation.
Teams at Spraoi, Waterford Harvest Festival and Waterford City and County Council had worked to reimagine both festivals. However, new guidelines instructing cafes, restaurants and similar venues not to host formal or informal events, as well as tighter restrictions on capacity for outdoor gatherings before September 13th, means that these programmes are no longer feasible.
The news will come as a huge disappointment to the public and local businesses. However, Spraoi aims to install a series of decorative pieces at various city centre locations to add colour and novelty to streets and squares during the original festival dates (4th – 13th Sept). Meanwhile Waterford will continue to offer incredible experiences at an array of restaurants and cafes, and local producers will continue to stack the shelves of your shops with quality Déise foodstuffs.
Harvest Festival Director Tommie Ryan stated “It is a huge disappointment to everyone involved, however it is the right and only decision. What is key now is that people continue to keep their promise to support local businesses whenever they can”.
Spraoi Director T.V. Honan added, “I am very proud of our board, management, staff, artists, volunteers, funders, sponsors and stakeholders. Each gave everything they had towards the goal of staging Spraoi Time 2020, as did Harvest and Council teams. Sadly in the end it wasn’t enough. It’s fair to say we’re gutted.”
While the news is disheartening for so many, the teams are united in the belief that safety for all involved is paramount, and this is a perfect opportunity for the people of Waterford to show their solidarity and support businesses in the area. The message is clear, Stay safe, Shop Waterford, Support Local.
-ENDS
For further information:
Sandra Power: Waterford Harvest Festival Marketing Manager
086 155 7627
