The annual Waterford Harvest Festival returns this September, following a hugely successful 2024 edition that welcomed over 50,000 attendees to the city.
A firm favourite on the South East’s festival calendar, Waterford Harvest Festival celebrates exceptional food and the passionate people behind it, taking place across Waterford City from Friday, September 5th to Sunday, September 7th.
Some of the programme highlights for 2025 include Faulty Towers – The Dining Experience, The Bridgerton Symphonic and – the closing event – Beats, Bubbles and Bites with Chef Keith Boyle.
Musical highlights come from Mick Flannery, John Spillane, Derek Warfield and the Young Wolfe Tones, The 80s Generation and more.
There is a mix of free and ticketed events across the weekend, with ticketed events on sale at 10am on Friday, July 4th.
Tickets can be purchased at waterfordharvestfestival.ie, and the full programme of events will be available on the website in the coming weeks.
This year, Waterford Harvest Festival will shine a spotlight on the very best of local and Irish food producers, celebrating the region’s rich food heritage with a strong focus on taste, entertainment, and sustainability.
Food and drink producers interested in participating in this year’s Harvest Festival Market can submit their applications via the website from 5pm on Tuesday, July 9th.
Now in their second year as Festival Directors, Mark Dunne and Martin Nolan of MPI Artists bring over 50 years of combined experience to the table. The seasoned duo are set to serve up a mouth-watering line-up of events for 2025.
Waterford native Mark Dunne has been a key figure in the Waterford Harvest Festival since its inception in 2010. With a wealth of production experience, Mark has worked on some of Ireland’s leading events, including Winterval, PÚCA Festival, Fleadh Cheoil Na hEireann and the Waterford City Tattoo Convention.
Dunne is excited to deliver a flavour-packed programme this September, saying: “I’ve been fortunate to build a career in the events industry, working on some of Ireland’s leading festivals — but Harvest is hands down my favourite. What makes it so special is its broad appeal; there truly is something for everyone. It’s always a pleasure to work in my home city.
“Whether it’s those who appreciate good produce and its provenance, those who enjoy grazing their way through the city or those who want to enjoy great entertainment in a fun, family-friendly setting, Waterford Harvest Festival has an a-la-carte menu to suit everyone’s palates and pockets.”
Martin Nolan, meanwhile, serves as Co-Festival Director of Fáilte Ireland’s flagship Halloween celebration, PÚCA, which welcomed 40,000 visitors to Co. Meath in 2024. Through his company, MPI Artists, Martin also represents many of Ireland’s top musical talents, such as The High Kings, Paul Brady, Mary Black, Jack Lukeman, Sharon Shannon, King Kong Company, Hermitage Green, and more.
Martin Nolan says: “2024 was a huge success, with over 50,000 people coming into Waterford City, and we’re excited to build on that momentum for 2025. This year, we’ll feature even more food demos, showcasing talented chefs from some of the city’s top restaurants. It’s a fantastic opportunity to explore the incredible variety of food and drink this historic city has to offer. We’re also expanding our walking tours, which will delve into the city’s rich culinary history, and we’re introducing a new holistic element to the festival.”
In addition, Waterford Harvest Festival is thrilled to announce that acclaimed chef Keith Boyle has joined the festival’s management team for 2025.
As one of Ireland’s most respected culinary talents, Keith brings a wealth of experience, passion, and creativity to the table. Known for his award-winning work at The Bay Tree Bistro and his commitment to showcasing the best of local and seasonal ingredients, Keith’s involvement marks an exciting new chapter for the festival.
The festival is proud to partner withAutism Friendly Waterford, working to ensure a welcoming and inclusive experience for all.
Nua Healthcare Services, a leading provider of supports for people with intellectual disabilities and complex needs, is proud to participate in the upcoming Waterford Harvest Festival. Nua’s Mobile CLaD (Continuous Learning and Development) and Supported Living Services will be featured at the festival, reflecting a shared commitment to making Ireland’s public events more inclusive and accessible for all.
“Nua Healthcare Services is delighted to support the Harvest Festival,” said JJ Carey, Director of Supported Living Services. “Our mobile and community-based supports help break down barriers and enable equal participation for all.”
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.
Waterford Harvest Festival is proud to continue its partnership with Taste Waterford, an organisation that supports and represents many of the region’s outstanding food and drink producers. On Saturday, September 6th, Taste Waterford will present a full day of kitchen demos featuring members and special guests.
Richard Povey, Project Manager at Taste Waterford, says: “We’re delighted to be part of the Waterford Harvest Festival again. On Saturday, 6 September, some of Waterford’s finest chefs and producers will be taking to the demo stage to showcase the very best of our local food and drink. Already confirmed are Meat Jon, The Olive Café and The Railway Cottage.It’s a brilliant opportunity to hear the stories behind the food, pick up expert cooking tips, meet the makers and chefs, and – of course – enjoy plenty of delicious tastings!”
WHAT’S ON?
Food lovers are in for a treat at this year’s Waterford Harvest Festival, with a programme bursting with flavour and fun. One of the highlights is the Faulty Towers – The Dining Experience at Dooley’s Hotel — a hilarious, immersive dinner event where guests can enjoy a delicious meal served with a side of chaos and comedy, inspired by the classic TV show.
The festival will close on a high note with Beat, Bites & Bubbles — a vibrant street dining celebration of flavour, funk and fizz, featuring music, street food, and sparkling surprises.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can also explore a curated city-wide Food Trail, showcasing some of Waterford’s finest restaurants and hidden gems, each offering signature dishes that reflect the city’s rich culinary culture.
This year’s musical line-up promises something special, with a headline concert by the renowned Mick Flannery in the stunning setting of Christ Church Cathedral.
Also gracing the historic venue is the enchanting Bridgerton Symphonic – an immersive string quartet performance of music from the hit Netflix TV series – bringing elegance and atmosphere to the heart of the city.
Free live music will fill the streets throughout the festival, with vibrant performances across John Roberts Square, Arundel Square, Gladstone Street, and O’Connell Street.
Acts include beloved singer-songwriter John Spillane, high-energy favourites The 80s Generation, and the legendary Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfe Tones.
Waterford Harvest Festival has something for everyone, with a mix of free and ticketed events. The full programme of events will be published over the coming weeks.
Tickets for Mick Flannery, The Bridgerton Symphonic, Faulty Towers – The Dining Experience, and – the closing event – Beats, Bites and Bubbles with Chef Keith Boyle go on sale at 10am on Friday, July 4th from www.waterfordharvestfestival.ie.
Photographer credit: Patrick Browne