Kilkenny County Council approved of the annual festival and event grants for 2018 at its monthly meeting held on 21st May.

Festivals and events right across the County were approved under the annual scheme demonstrating the Council's support for Kilkenny's festivals which underpin our tourism industry, as well as supporting the valuable community events which are part and parcel of local life.

Kilkenny has earned a reputation for its diverse range of year round festivals, and these festivals continue to attract audiences to Kilkenny, giving the local economy a huge boost, from Irish and international visitors. Well established festivals such as Kilkenomics and Kilkenny Cat Laughs have been added to by the new Kilkenny Animated festival, and Subtitle film festival.

Mayor Michael Doyle commended the festival organisers, saying "Kilkenny is known for the quality of festivals and events, and I thank those involved in keeping Kilkenny to the forefront in terms of festival experiences with a broad appeal".

Kilkenny County Council has also set as a priority the development of County based festivals, and is intent on supporting festivals such as Graiguenamanagh Town of Books, and the Kells Reign of Terror. These festivals have the capacity to grow their tourist numbers, thereby sustaining local enterprise in Graiguenamanagh and Kells, and according to Cathaoirleach Cllr. David Fitzgerald "the range and depth of community activity is heartening, and Kilkenny County Council recognises the positive contribution and value of local events and celebrations."

The future success of these festivals will help to inspire other rural areas to find a niche, and develop a sustainable festival or event so that there is an economic dividend for the community.

Details of individual grants are available on link below:-

2018 Funding Allocation for Festivals & Community Events.xlsx (size 30.5 KB)