Harvest Festival strengthens Waterford's commitment to inclusion with sensory spaces

Waterford's Harvest Festival is taking another important step towards accessibility and inclusion this September, with the announcement of two dedicated sensory spaces designed to support autistic individuals, families and anyone who may need a quieter environment during the busy festival weekend. 

The popular food festival, which takes place across Waterford city from September 5 to 7, has renewed its partnership with Autism Friendly Waterford and Nua Healthcare to ensure visitors of all abilities can fully enjoy one of the city's flagship events.

The initiative reflects a growing commitment within Waterford to create welcoming public spaces and events that are accessible to everyone, regardless of their sensory needs. 

As part of the programme, Autism Friendly Waterford operate a dedicated Parent and Child Sensory Hub at City Square Shopping Centre, located upstairs. The hub will provide a calm and supportive setting for children who may become overwhelmed by the sights, sounds and crowds associated with large-scale events. 

Families can access the space on a drop-in basis throughout the weekend or pre-book a visit. 

Since its launch in 2023, Autism Friendly Waterford has worked to make Waterford a more inclusive city where neurodiversity is recognised, supported and celebrated.  

Through community events, workshops and family-focused activities, the initiative has become an important part of efforts to improve accessibility and understanding across the region. 

Nua Healthcare will provide a second sensory facility, with its Mobile Sensory Unit

stationed at the corner of O'Connell Street and Gladstone Street throughout the festival. 

The specially designed unit offers visitors a safe, welcoming and engaging sensory environment where they can take time to regulate, relax and recharge away from the hustle and bustle of festival activities. 

Operating on a drop-in basis, the mobile unit will bring specialist sensory supports directly into the heart of Waterford City, making them easily accessible to festival goers who may benefit from a quieter experience during the weekend. 

Nua Healthcare, which provides specialist care and support services to children and adults with complex needs across Ireland, has increasingly focused on community engagement through initiatives such as its mobile sensory programme. 

Harvest Festival Co-Director Martin Nolan said partnerships play a key role in keeping the event welcoming for everyone. 

"We are delighted to bring Nua’s Mobile Sensory Unit to the Harvest Festival and to support its efforts to make the event accessible and enjoyable for people of all abilities," he said.

Mr Nolan added that true inclusion means recognising that people experience public events in different ways.

"Creating an inclusive festival means recognising that everyone experiences events differently. Having dedicated sensory spaces available gives individuals and families the reassurance that there is somewhere safe and supportive to go if they need a break from the festival environment."

The introduction of the sensory spaces highlights Waterford’s ongoing efforts to position itself as a city that values accessibility, inclusion and community participation. By working with local organisations and healthcare providers, Harvest Festival is ensuring that more people can experience everything the event has to offer in a way that suits their individual needs.

As thousands of visitors prepare to descend on Waterford for the three-day celebration of food, culture and community, organisers hope the sensory hubs will provide reassurance to families and individuals who may otherwise find large public gatherings challenging, helping to make this year's Harvest Festival one of the most inclusive yet.