Sixteen Kilkenny festivals to receive funding under Festival Grant Scheme 2023

Sixteen festivals have been recommended to go forward for funding approval under the Kilkenny County Council Festival Supports Grants Scheme 2023.

The main purpose of the scheme is to support festivals which drive tourism in Kilkenny, underpinning Kilkenny County Council's tourism strategy and improving the visitor experience in Kilkenny city and county.

Numbers visiting Kilkenny village 'should be far bigger'

Abhainn Rí Festival, Smithwick's Kilkenny Roots Festival, Kilkenny Tradfest, Cannonball Ireland, Kilkenny Animated, Kilkenomics, Savour Kilkenny, Kilkenny Cat Laughs, Graig' Town of Books, Castlecomer Wellie Race, Keep Her Lit Festival, The Iverk Show, Alternative Kilkenny Arts, Kilkenny Fleadh Cheoil, Hughes Pumpkin Festival and Rás na mBan will now all go forward for funding approval.

Commenting on the allocations, Cllr Andrew McGuinness applauded the 'quality of all of our festivals' and stated that it is 'absolutely fantastic the opportunities they create for local artists, musicians and people'.

The councillor noted that this year is the 25th Anniversary of the Smithwick's Kilkenny Roots Festival, 'renowned within the music sector and around the world'.

He also asked that unsuccessful applicants are helped and guided to alternative funding pathways.

Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr Pat Fitzpatrick, also paid tribute to the immense variety of festivals that Kilkenny has become home too.

New ward opening in Kilkenny due to 'huge pressure' in St Luke's after Wexford fire - Taoiseach

"In particular I'd like to commend the immense amount of work that goes into the Castlecomer Wellie Race every year that kicks the whole festival season in the county off," he said.

"It's great to see our festivals picking up from where they left from pre-Covid and going from strength-to-strength. It's also great to see some new festivals getting funding. Long may they continue."