Dublin communities encouraged to take part in two-day Street Feast celebrations
Dubliners are being encouraged to get involved in a two-day community celebration, aiming to bring everyone together.
Now in its 15th year, Street Feast 2024 is set to take place on May 25 and 26, expecting a turnout of more than 140,000 residents across the country.
Last year, South Dublin had nearly 60 Street Feasts, bringing together an estimated 5,427 neighbours. Fingal also saw a great turnout for the weekend event with 63 Street Feasts and roughly 5,796 neighbours attending.
Dún-Laoghaire Rathdown hosted 70 Street Feasts, with roughly 6,440 participants coming together in celebration. Dublin city centre took the cake with 156 Street Feasts, gathering roughly 1,435 neighbours.
The celebration organisers confirmed with the Irish Independent that nearly 200 Street Feasts are already set to take place across Dublin, with more expected to register in time for the event taking place at the end of the month.
Some locations across the city currently set to host Street Feasts include Lansdowne Village, Tymonville in Tallaght, Kimmage, Shankill, All Hallows Street in Drumcondra, parts of Stoneybatter, Phibsboro, Crumlin, Artane, Fairhaven in Castleknock, and Walkinstown.
“Running Street Feast over two days instead of one this year will give people more opportunity to celebrate together and plan around Ireland’s ever-changing weather,” Neighbourhood Network CEO and Founder of Street Feast, Sam Bishop said.
“But the essence of Street Feast remains rooted in our mission to encourage neighbourly connections and camaraderie through shared meals, gatherings, games and conversations,” he added.
Based on feedback from the last event, 98pc of those involved said their sense of belonging has increased since Street Feast.
Additionally, 55pc of participants hosted “Integration Feasts” last year, making a special effort to welcome those who are “new to the community”.
President Michael D Higgins is encouraging all communities to get involved.
“We must all by now realise the importance of community, inclusion, creativity and togetherness – all values that require support and a conscious effort of care, protection, and solidarity,” he said.
“Initiatives such as Street Feast provide exactly that type of opportunity.”
Organisers say that no matter what kind of place you live in, everyone is invited to participate and host gatherings.
It doesn’t matter if you live in an apartment or house; all you need is a space to bring people together.
Street Feast has had parties organised in front gardens, on streets and greens, in car parks, laneways, local parks, and community centres.
Some Street Feasters gave feedback on last year’s events, such as Aaron, from Cork, who said: “I’ve always loved the idea of street parties and would love to get all of our neighbours together to get to know each other better.”
Noreen, from Sligo, added that a Street Feast is the “perfect way to celebrate the warm weather and create a fun and festive atmosphere”.
Those interested in hosting their own Street Feast can register today at StreetFeast.ie.
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