Waterford Councillor asks - 'is Winterval in trouble?'
Photo: Joe Evans
A local councillor has posed the question: "Is Winterval in trouble?".
Concerns were raised recently following the release of an audit for the year ending December 31, 2024, which noted the need for considerable improvement in cash handling and financial controls of the Winterval festival.
Speaking this week, Cllr Joeanne Bailey said she has heard worrying "reports from the ground" recently.
“I’ve had a few phone calls about Winterval. One particular lady who rang me said ‘is Winterval in trouble?’
“The production company isn’t involved this year and with the amount of money and funding that this council gives towards Winterval, I’m just wondering is there anything coming out of this story? Should we be concerned? Should we get in the events manager to have a talk about Winterval to see where it’s at and to see if any of the claims that are on the ground are true?"
Sean Dobbs, Acting Director of Services, Waterford City and County Council, has said work on the 2026 festival has commenced.
“The arrangements have started for Winterval this year in terms of plans, procurement etc. Reports are also being prepared on lessons learned in terms of last year’s event."
Festival organisers have already unveiled a major new attraction for 2026, a new 1,000 capacity venue which will host comedy and live music performances.
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