Waterford Harvest Festival to return for its 14th year

This year’s event will focus on food sustainability and a celebration of the Irish apple

2,000 plants and 1000's of seeds will be given away to food growing enthusiasts during the festival weekend

Horticulture

17 August 2023

The annual Harvest Festival returns to Waterford next month for its 14th year. This year’s event will focus on food sustainability and a celebration of the Irish apple.

The festival takes place in the historic streets and squares of Waterford City centre from 8 to 10 September.

Food sustainability talks will feature throughout the two days, where some of the country’s most esteemed food writers, chefs, activists, journalists and businesspeople will give educational and engaging debates each day.

Funded by Waterford City & County Council and organised by Grow It Yourself Ireland (GIY), the festival will provide opportunities for everyone to get embrace GIY as over 2,000 free plants and 1,000’s of free seeds will be given away to food growing enthusiasts during the festival weekend.

GIY founder, Michael Kelly, said: “The harvest weekend is a very special weekend in Waterford, it is one that closes out our summer festival season and it is certainly a food occasion that is not to be missed for visitors and locals alike.

“We are delighted to share a diverse programme of events for harvest 2023. The festival is centred on sustainability in every area, from the delivery of the festival to the talks, the traders and indeed to celebrating Irish food, the focal point of which this year is the humble Irish apple.”

For the food fans Waterford’s rich food heritage will be key, celebrating the city’s diverse restaurants, eateries, and producers.

The best of Waterford’s food and drink will be centre stage at the giant Harvest Festival Market, which will span from John Robert’s Square into Barronstrand Street, onto George’s Street, Gladstone Street and Hanover Street, in the Cultural Quarter where a craft market will also be on offer.

For family friendly foodie activities, a Junior GIYer’s zone will take over O’Connell Street families will enjoy the Wooly Farm where children can learn more about our furry and feathered friends, and more.

For full details and to browse the full programme of free entertainment and events, see here.