Food, music and craic on the menu as Waterford Harvest Festival reveals 2025 line-up

Waterford's streets will be buzzing with the sights, sounds and tastes of Ireland's southeast as the Waterford Harvest Festival returns from September 5 to 7, promising another vibrant celebration of food, music and community.

The popular festival, which drew over 50,000 visitors last year, is back with a mouth-watering mix of culinary events, live entertainment and family-friendly fun, showcasing the very best local produce and talent.

Among the highlights for 2025 are Faulty Towers - The Dining Experience, The Bridgerton Symphonic, and the high-energy closing event Beats, Bubbles and Bites with Chef Keith Boyle. Music lovers can look forward to performances from Mick Flannery, John Spillane, Derek Warfield and the Young Wolfe Tones, The 80s Generation and more.

A mix of free and ticketed events will run across the city during the festival weekend. Tickets for major events go on sale at 10am on Friday, July 4 via waterfordharvestfestival.ie.

Festival Director Mark Dunne, a Waterford native who has been involved with the Harvest Festival since its inception in 2010, said: "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."

Co-Director Martin Nolan, who also works on Fáilte Ireland's flagship PÚCA Festival, added: "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."

The festival will also welcome acclaimed chef Keith Boyle to its management team for the first time, bringing his passion for local, seasonal produce and his award-winning culinary experience to the table.

The festival continues its commitment to inclusivity, partnering again with Autism Friendly Waterford and welcoming support from Nua Healthcare Services.

JJ Carey, Director of Supported Living Services at Nua Healthcare Services, said: "Nua Healthcare Services is delighted to support the Harvest Festival. Our mobile and community-based supports help break down barriers and enable equal participation for all."

Taste Waterford will once again have a big presence at the festival, hosting kitchen demos and tastings featuring some of Waterford's finest chefs and producers.

Richard Povey, Project Manager at Taste Waterford, said: "We're delighted to be part of the Waterford Harvest Festival again. On Saturday, September 6, 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!"

Beyond the plates and pans, festivalgoers can look forward to a city-wide Food Trail offering signature dishes in Waterford's best eateries, while Faulty Towers - The Dining Experience promises a hilarious meal served up with a dose of chaos, inspired by the classic TV sitcom.

The festival finale, Beats, Bites & Bubbles, will transform Waterford's streets into a buzzing open-air party filled with music, street food and sparkling surprises.

Music fans will be spoiled for choice with headline performances from Mick Flannery at Christ Church Cathedral, the elegant Bridgerton Symphonic string quartet show, and lively street music from artists including John Spillane, The 80s Generation and Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfe Tones across John Roberts Square, Arundel Square, Gladstone Street and O'Connell Street.

The full programme of events can be found at waterfordharvestfestival.ie.

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