Waterford City & County Council Festival & Event Grants for 2025
Waterford City and County Council has approved the allocation of €1,671,107 in festival and event funding to aid the development and promotion of events across Waterford City and County in 2025.
The allocation will support 71 festivals and events throughout the city and county. The primary focus of the funding is to support and promote local festivals that offer economic, tourism, cultural, artistic, or community benefits to Waterford. Additionally, funding is available to provide training that will help local festivals and events grow and develop.
In 2025, in addition to well-loved events such as the Spraoi International Street Arts Festival, the Waterford Festival of Food, and Winterval, thirteen new festivals are set to take place, including the Passage East Festival, Summer on the Coast, Southeast Carnival, and the River Rhythm & Blues Festival, creating a thrilling lineup for the year ahead.
Speaking following the adoption of the festival and events funding Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy said, “The level of support for the arts, musicians, and creatives from Waterford City and County Council is truly remarkable and is growing year on year.
“From long-standing favourites or promising new arrivals on the scene, these festivals reflect the extraordinary passion, dedication, and the incredible creativity that define the diverse communities throughout Waterford city and county.
“I’m also delighted to see thirteen new festivals make their debuts in 2025. It’s evident that there is an abundance of creativity and imagination in Waterford.”
Michael Quinn, Director of Services with Waterford City and County Council added, “Waterford City and County Council takes great pride in fostering the dynamic and lively festivals and events that bring the community together, ensuring Waterford continues to be a hub of diverse and engaging entertainment.
“This year with 13 new festivals as well as established favourites, Waterford’s cultural calendar is set to be more vibrant than ever, offering something for everyone to enjoy from one end of the year to the other.”
