Summer festivals in Mayo get timely cash boost

Two summer festival events in Achill and Belmullet have been awarded nearly €10,000 in funding, Minister of State, Alan Dillon TD has said.

Minister Dillon explained: “The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD has announced a funding allocation of €293,252 for 64 events to support small scale local festivals and summer schools taking place around Ireland in 2025.”

Two groups in Achill and Belmullet were successful applicants for the fund.

Minister Dillon outlined: “Iorras Arts Centre Ltd will receive €5,000 to assist in hosting a four-day literary festival in Belmullet.

"The festival will celebrate writers and readers of all ages through workshops, talks, performances and panel events.

"It aims to encourage engagement in literature, the Irish language and creativity across generations, from school visits to keynote talks with renowned authors.

"With events in poetry, fiction, screenwriting, and memoir, it hopes to foster cultural engagement and encourage both emerging and established voices within a vibrant community setting.

"Circus 250 Productions will receive €4,880. This is an outdoor summer school on Achill Island for local and visiting children and young people. Children are taught in small groups by professional circus artists in the art of gymnastics, hula-hoop, diablo, plate spinning and acrobatics, often for the first time. At the end of the day, they proudly show off their new skills to their families.”

Minister Dillon added: “The scheme is designed to assist local cultural events which may not be eligible for funding for larger scale events which can be supported by Fáilte Ireland, the Arts Council and similar bodies.

"This is an important acknowledgement of the richness that culture and the arts brings to all our lives, along with the opportunity to come together as a community to socialise and share traditions.

"I pay tribute to the volunteers, organisers and artists who worked throughout the winter months to prepare for this year’s festivals, which provide such entertainment and bring joy to so many every year.

"We rely on their talent, generosity and dedication to deliver these events and appreciate their hard work."