Call for Kildare to host more large festivals
The carrying her flame display in the Square Kildare Photo: Jimmy Fullam
Kildare should have more regular events on the scale of February’s Brigid festival in years to come according a local representative.
A workshop aimed at planning and building on the success of the festival is to be held once a new Brigid programme manager is hired.
This information was given by Kildare County Council after a motion was brought forward by cllr Suzanne Doyle at the most recent full council meeting on 23 February requesting that the couuncil "host a SWOT workshop with key stakeholders in order to build on the momentum of this event (Spirit of Brigid Festival) and inform planning for successive years”.
A SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknessess, Opportunities, Threats) is a tool used by organisations for strategic planning.
Cllr Doyle brought the motion forward in the context of the success of the festival and “the momentum gathering behind this date in calendar, both nationally and internationally.”
A report issued by director of services in climate, community, environment and water at Kildare County Council Marian Higgins stated the following:
“Given that 2027 will be the fifth year of the Brigid Spirit of Kildare Festival and, it is agreed that 2026 represents and appropriate juncture for a focused SWOT workshop with stakeholders, to build upon existing success, realise new opportunities and sustain and expand the festival into the future.”
It was further detailed the workshop can be put into action after the vacant role of Brigid programme manager is filled.
Speaking at the meeting, Ms Higgins said that the new programme manager will be in place by the second quarter of this year.
Cllr Doyle said that she wanted an event the scale of February’s Brigid festival to take place four times a year.
Cllr Doyle and cllr Chris Pender were in agreement that the new hire should be someone with expertise in event management.
Cllr Bernard Caldwell noted that the second annual Kildare Inclusivity Festival will take place on 10 May. He said that the festival “seems to be forgotten about in this organisation”.
