18 community and business groups across County Carlow have shared €149,500 of funding as part of the Carlow County Council – Festival & Event Fund 2023 supported by Failte Ireland. The funding will aid the development and promotion of events across County Carlow in 2023.
The allocation supports 24 festivals and events throughout County Carlow with the aim of promoting local festivals that have an economic, tourism, cultural, artistic or community benefit for Carlow. Funding is also in place to provide training support to help local festival and events develop and grow.
Speaking following the adoption of the Festival & Event Scheme, Cllr. Brian O’Donoghue, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, said, “As Cathaoirleach I am delighted that Carlow County Council is in a position to support so many great events across Carlow in the coming year.”
“Carlow has always produced an entertaining, inclusive, and eclectic programme of events throughout the year. It’s great to see the range of new and distinctive events making their mark on the County during 2023.” The Cathaoirleach concluded by saying, “I am delighted to see the return of Pan Celtic to County Carlow over Easter 2023 and look forward to welcoming our partners from the Celtic nations to Carlow.”
Kieran Comerford, Head of Economic Development & Enterprise, stated, “The allocations reflect the Council’s commitment to supporting the strong community spirit across County Carlow with so many events happening in 2023. These events are integral in helping continue to make County Carlow the best place to live and visit.”
New events supported for 2023 will include an enhanced Lightfest Programme in November & December 2023 and a partnership with Visual to provide Samhain Festival in October. As part of the programme the Exchange in Carlow Town will also have a series of activities during the Summer and the Winter/Autumn Mid-Term Breaks.
Tourism providers are an essential element of realising the opportunity that the festival and event fund brings in terms of supporting jobs and Michael Walsh, Chairperson of Carlow Tourism, said, “Festivals & Events are so important to the Tourism and Hospitality sectors because as well as entertaining and bringing local communities together, local festivals have the potential to attract thousands of visitors to experience all that County Carlow has to offer.” Michael concluded by saying, “Carlow Tourism is delighted to support the Council in the Festival & Event programme for the County while also hosting our own unique series of events and activities in terms of gardens, golf and the outdoors.”
The fund is operated by the Local Enterprise Office, and Pierce Kavanagh, Economic Development Officer with the Local Enterprise Office, said, “We are delighted with the response to this year’s fund and we look forward to rolling out a series of partnership events and supporting community and business groups in their own events.”
For further information contact Kieran Comerford on 086-8252037 or e-mail kcomerford@carlowcoco.ie
- Columban Way Annual Festival June 2023 €1,200.00
- Raheendaw Show June 2023 €4,000.00
- Borris House Festival of Writing and Ideas June 2023 €7,000.00
- Follow me up to Carlow Set Dancing Weekend €1,000.00
- Town of Books Festival Graiguenamanagh/Tinnahinch €1,500.00
- Carlow Fringe Arts Festival Aug 2023 €3,000.00
- Tullow Agricultural Show Aug 2023 €2,300.00
- Carlow Pride Festival June 2023 €5,000.00
- Borris Traditional Music Festival Sept 2023 €3,000.00
- Lightfest 2023 €45,000.00
- Pan Celtic International Festival €20,000.00
- Carlow Garden Festival €10,000.00
- Summer Walking Festival €5,000.00
- Autumn Walking Festival €5,000.00
- Carlow Golf Festival €2,000.00
- Tour Guide for Old Leighlin €3,000.00
- Samhain Festival, Visual (Commissioned Events) €12,000.00
- Carlow Exchange (Commissioned Events) €18,000.00
