The team behind the GIY brand and GROW HQ are set to organise the 2022 Harvest Festival, with funding support from Waterford Council.
Details
GIY was founded in Waterford by Michael Kelly in 2008. It places food and food provenance at the centre of its activities and has been recognised the world over for its authenticity, growth and success.
The founder of GIY Michael Kelly is delighted to be on board with the city's Harvest Festival and plans to create a festival in Ireland's "Best Place to Live" that promotes a biodiverse and climate-positive future with healthy food systems, regenerative economies and a thriving community.
Speaking of the upcoming festival, Kelly said, "It is our goal to re-invigorate the passion that the people of Waterford have for the Harvest Festival and ensure an outward-looking food festival that puts Waterford at the centre of a national and international discussion about food and makes a lasting ecological and social contribution to the Waterford community.
"We know that time is against us but we very much hope to get everyone on board to create what is set to be a reinvention of the festival creating one that places authentic, local and quality to the fore, focussing on sustainable practices and one that is fun and draws the community to its heart."
The Harvest Festival will take place from 10-11 September with a focus on family events, food talks and sustainability, food demos and an emphasis on Waterford's finest foods and drinks producers with the Harvest Market set to take place on the Saturday and Sunday of the festival weekend in John Robert's Square and Arundel Square. There will also be lots of fun celebratory events with live music, suppers, entertainment, workshops and even a mobile farm. The full details of the festival programme will be announced over the coming weeks and further information can be viewed at WaterfordHarvestFestival.ie
Kelly, who is urging the people of Waterford to come out and celebrate, added, "We are lucky enough to live in the place where everyone else wants to live right now. We have a thriving food and drinks scene and we want to celebrate all of this at the Harvest Festival. We would love the people of Waterford to join us, kick up their heels and have a great fun weekend in not only 'Ireland's Best Place to Live' but 'Ireland's Cleanest City' too - we certainly have lots to celebrate."
Statement By Waterford City & County Mayor
Commenting on the announcement, Councillor Joe Kelly as mayor of Waterford City & County said, "As mayor of Waterford, I am delighted that so many of Waterford’s festivals are returning this year. I am particularly excited with the new local team in GIY coming on board to deliver the Harvest Festival this year. I think this partnership will showcase Waterford as a leader in bringing sustainability to our festivals and help start delivering on our commitments to decarbonise Waterford from a grass roots level."
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