ABOUT
Now in its 15th year Waterford Harvest Festival returns from September 6 - September 8, 2024 celebrating great food and the people who produce it. Taking place in venues across Waterford City. Harvest Festival promises to be a treat for the senses with food demos and talks, honey making, storytelling, fine dining experiences, fantastic food offerings from local restaurants, live music and lots of free family entertainment across the city.
3 DAYS, 45,000 VISITORS
Last year’s events saw 45,000 visitors in Waterford City over the 3 Days with many events sold out well in advance. Waterford Harvest festival 2024 are pleased to reveal this year’s programme of events. The festival will spotlight the best of local and Irish producers and the region’s food heritage, with the emphasis very much on taste and entertainment with an added dash of sustainability. Festival highlights for 2024 include live performances from Andy Irvine and The Hothouse Flowers, exclusive fine dining experience in City Hall with Keith Boyle, cooking demonstrations by The Happy Pear, storytelling with Eddie Lenihan and the Food Market.
GREEN, ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE EVENT
The festival is supported by Waterford City and County Council, which specified that the festival deliver a green, environmentally sustainable event, while minimising food waste and carbon emissions.
The festival offers an array of entirely free events for everyone to enjoy. Expanding on last year’s event there are now four areas of live music and in addition there will be vast array of entertainment and things to see, do and eat throughout the festival weekend. Musical entertainment includes a set by the Hothouse Flowers in Christchurch Cathedral, along with free live music headlined by Andy Irvine, The Blue Belles, Dublin City Ramblers, Lorcan Reidy and Emma Langford peppered throughout John Roberts Square, Arundel Square, Gladstone Street and O’Connell Street.
ART, MUSIC, WORKSHOPS
Meanwhile storytellers Eddie Lenihan and Helena Byrne will bring tales of mystery, magic and myth to life in the city. Tony Hayes will lead a Glass Master Demo. Families will enjoy the Art Storm Workshop, Kids Dance Workshop, The Catwalk Chronicles, the Pat Rocket Flashmob, Wobbly’s Circus Workshop and Disco Brunch at the Palace. Dance, drum, jump and join WAMA at Harvest. Waterford Academy of Music & Arts will host this action-packed 2 day feast for the senses WAMA Palooza, with performances, art and music workshops as well as lively and energetic shows. Find your rhythm with drumming workshops and showcases, join in on the ukulele interactive ensembles and explore your inner actor at the beginner drama classes. We will have workshops to show kids how to plant their own seeds.
SHOWCASING LOCAL PRODUCERS
For food lovers there will be several mouth watering food centric events to get your taste buds excited. These include food demonstrations by Caribbean Cook Off, Smokin’ Soul Cookery Demo, and The Happy Pear, Taste Waterford continue their partnership with Harvest Festival and will showcase local restaurants food demos on the 7th of September. This year will see the return of the Festival Market. Waterford Harvest Festival operates with the aim of showcasing local producers and last year saw 50 traders, 50 per cent of these businesses were from County Waterford. We are delighted to announce two new Food themed walking tours. The Tasteful Food tour includes an opportunity to meet and talk to local business owners and sample the renowned blaa, sweet treats, locally roasted coffee, traditional stew and local craft beer or whiskey while learning about Waterford City's food culture and history. Our Food History Walking Tour of Waterford with one of Waterford’s most popular walking tour guides Jack Nurtchaell will paint a picture of the rich food history of Waterford. A festival highlight, and sure to sell out, the Harvest Festival Homecoming Dinner and Lunch with Chef Keith Boyle in the beautiful surrounds of the Long Hall in City Hall. This year also sees the return and fan favourite the EWBA Honey Tasting along with the Ballybeg Greens Festival Garden, a food history walking tour wine tasting. and whiskey tasting.
CELEBRATING CULTURE, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
We are delighted that Waterford New Communities Network return with 'A Slice of Culture' celebrating cultural diversity and inclusion. Taking place at Wyse Park on the 7th of September, this will give visitors the opportunity to experience cultural performances, food stalls with a variety of delicious cuisines from different cultures, arts and craft exhibitions from around the globe. This gives local migrant groups the opportunity to showcase their culture through art and food and visitors an opportunity to learn and get to know each other better.