Waterford to embrace 'Street Feast' initiative
Local Street Feasters gather as Street Feast, Ireland’s national weekend of community lunches and gatherings, returns on Saturday and Sunday, May 23rd and 24th. Picture Andres Poveda
People throughout Waterford are being encouraged to participate in this year's Street Feast initiative.
Jonathon Codd, from Waterford City and County Council, is encouraging people in neighbourhoods across the county to get involved and "pull up a chair, share some food and say hello as Street Feast."
The all-island initiative is Ireland’s national weekend of community lunches and gatherings and it's returning on Saturday and Sunday, May 23 and 24.
Commenting on the initiative, Jonathon said: "Waterford City and County Council is delighted to partner with Street Feast again this year."
"Community development is a core service in local authorities across Ireland today and events like Street Feast help to cultivate social inclusion and to create vibrant neighbourhoods," said Jonathon.
"Outdoor social events create the most unique and appealing atmospheres for all to enjoy and we look forward to seeing multiple street feasts in all our towns and villages this summer," he added.
Now in its 16th year, the national weekend has grown into something simple but powerful; a chance for neighbours to come together in a way that makes everyday life feel a little warmer and more connected.
Anyone who registers at StreetFeast.ie will get a free party pack delivered to their door, stocked with bunting, posters, invitations and a DIY guide.
There’s also the option to collect a pack from one of 20 participating Tesco stores.
President Catherine Connolly, who is Patron of Street Feast, also encouraged people all over the country to get involved.
“As patron, I am delighted to support Street Feast, which brings neighbours together and strengthens communities through the simple act of sharing a meal," she said.
This year marks the beginning of a new chapter as Tesco Ireland steps in as Street Feast’s sponsor for the next three years and the organisers of the initiative are hoping to grow participation in the event from 962 neighbourhoods last year to 1,200 feasts this time around.
According to statistics taken from Street Feasts annual post-event survey last year, an estimated 88,000 people took part, which was a 24% rise in hosts.
