Festivals and festive events are central to the fabric of life in County Tipperary. They entertain, celebrate our communities, enhance our villages and towns, and stimulate local economic activity while serving as an expression of identity and place.
They provide cultural, recreation and leisure opportunities for citizens, help build strong and resilient communities, deliver economic and social benefits, and provide employment opportunities. They foster creativity and innovation, encourage social wellbeing and connectedness, facilitate community participation and celebrate cultural identity.
Tipperary County Council recognises the value of festivals, each of which has its own distinctive qualities and appeal and through its Festivals strategy will continue to work to ensure the ongoing support of the county’s rich and varied festival activity. A new Festivals strategy is currently being finalised. A link to the current Festivals strategy is here.
Funding Supports:
Since 2018, Tipperary County Council has supported local festivals and events through the Tipperary Festivals and Events Scheme. This arose from the identified need by the Council to have a standardisation of supports offered to festivals and events, a coordinated approach to funding and a central application and assessment process.
Tipperary Festivals and Events Scheme
Frequency: Annual Status: CLOSED
*New and Emerging Festivals or Events
Applications from festivals and events which are new or emerging, which show signs of future potential to develop and can demonstrate that they link in with the objectives of Tipperary County Council are encouraged. An event which emerges mid-year (after the festival deadline for that year) may seek support on an exceptional basis. A festival or event may only apply to this category in its first year of operation. Organisers of such events should contact artsoffice@tipperarycoco.ie to seek further information. Guidelines for the 2025 scheme are available below.
Development Supports:
Tipperary County Council provides a range of developmental supports to festival and event organisers across the county. A festivals promotional campaign highlights the vibrant cultural landscape and aims to attract wider audiences to visit the county. Training opportunities are offered regularly and opportunities and resources from other bodies are flagged and publicised.
Planning for Outdoor Events
The Planning for Outdoor Performances (POP) partnership initiative culminated in the publication of a comprehensive guide designed to support the creation of outdoor arts events in public spaces and the release of an 8-part online training seminar series. The guide and videos are available here.
Links to Other Resources for festivals and events are available Here
