Waterford Harvest Festival celebrates great food and the people who produce it. Now in its fifteenth year Harvest Festival lived up to its promise as 55,000 gathered in the Viking City over the course of the weekend of September 6-8, 2024.
Taking place in venues across Waterford City Harvest festival was a treat for the senses with food demos, honey making, storytelling, fine dining experiences and live music. Waterford Harvest Festival 2024 has seen an increase in numbers with an estimated attendance figure in excess of 55k across the 3 days of the festival. The event has been well received by the public and the business communities reported an increase in turnover for the duration of the festival.
There was a diverse range of Food Demonstrations taking place over the weekend that saw packed crowds in John Roberts Square eager to see Smokin' Soul and The Happy Pear duo in action. Taste Waterford in Association with Leo Waterford created an exciting series of demonstrations that featured some of the finest Chefs in Waterford including Nì Bhrian Restaurant, IASC Seafood Bistro & Legacy Irish Cider, Momo Restaurant, Mara Restaurant & Faithlegg House Hotel. Meanwhile, curated fine dining experiences sold out fast as discerning food lovers were enthralled by themes menus from Peter Everett of Everett's, Chef Keith Boyle, Luiz Martin of Mara and Michael Buchta of Momo.
Waterford Harvest Festival was a treat for families as toddlers, buggies and fur babies were all catered for with the Art Storm Crafts Workshop, Wobbly Circus, WAMA Drumming Workshop, Kids Dance Academy and more. This year also saw the return of fan favourite the EWBA and Honeys of the World featuring a selection of honeys from all over the globe available for tasting. Kids and big kids alike were fascinated by the observation hive on-site with members of the EWBA association on hand to explain all aspects of the fascinating and environmental importance of honey. Ballybeg Greens Festival Garden was a fantastic draw for foodies and families and was a unique feature of Waterford Harvest Festival. The Food Market saw record numbers thrilled with an eclectic mix of food offerings from artisan producers. Whiskey tastings, storytelling and Walking Tours showing the history of food in Waterford were another hit for visitors over the weekend.
Waterford was buzzing with live music from local bars to street entertainment as the good weather ensured they drew large crowds across all three days. Live music on Broad Street featured Emma Langford, Fin Furey, Andy Irvine, The Dublin City Ramblers and The Blue Belles. Christ Church Cathedral was packed for sold out performances by The Hothouse Flowers and soloist Patrick Rafter playing Vivaldi's 4 Seasons featuring members of the RTE Con Tempo Quartet and members of the RTE Concert Orchestra.
Mark Dunne Co-Festival Director, says "I felt a great sense of pride over the weekend to see my home city bustling with festival goers, not only enjoying the festival but enjoying their city centre and the fantastic attractions we have here, it proves Waterford City is alive and well and willing to support our events. The buzz about the city was second to none"
Martin Nolan, Co-Festival Director, MPI says "We were delighted with the response to Harvest Festival 2024, this was our first year running the festival. People turned out in such huge numbers, there was a fantastic atmosphere across Waterford City. It was great to see so many families in the town enjoying the events and the beautiful weather."
The festival was supported by Waterford City and County Council, specifying that the festival deliver a green, environmentally sustainable event, while minimising food waste and carbon emissions. This was done by providing rinse stations and food bank bins across the city. Power for the entire weekend was supplied by sustainable and renewable power source.
Harvest Festival wishes to thank all those who attended and its sponsors Waterford City and County Council, LEO Waterford, Taste Waterford, Broadstreet Bar and Grill, WLRFM, Waterford Credit Union, Rapid Cabs and Clem Jacobs Hire.
For more information see www.waterfordharvestfestival.ie
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