Fingal County Council is delighted to announce combined funding of over €800,000 to support festivals, events and arts across the County in 2026, reinforcing its strong commitment to cultural creativity, sustainable economic development and active, engaged communities.

Through the Festival and Events Funding Scheme 2026, delivered by the Council’s award winning Events Unit, over €575,000 has been awarded to 101 groups and organisations to support a vibrant programme of local festivals and community-led events taking place throughout the year. 

The funding will assist a diverse range of exciting initiatives, including Balbriggan Summerfest, Howth All Shucked Up, seven St Patrick’s Day parades and Dublin 15 Family Fun Day. It will also support heritage celebrations, sporting events and seasonal programmes, reaching communities in every corner of the county.

Funding will assist with key event costs such as programming, staging, accessibility measures, safety planning and promotion, ensuring events can grow sustainably while remaining inclusive, welcoming and accessible to all.

Under the Arts Act Grants Scheme 2026, €225,000 has been awarded to 38 applicants. The scheme expanded its scope for 2026, opening to the public for the first time and attracted 60% of new applicants, over a 140% increase from 2025. The funding reflects that Fingal County Council is committed to promotion of the arts, increasing access to the arts and supporting cultural developments across the County.

The scheme aims to assist groups, organisations and individuals in stimulating public interest in the arts, promote knowledge and appreciation, encourage artistic practice, and improve standards and development in the arts within Fingal. Successful applicant this year include Blanchardstown Brass Band, Howth Singing Circle, The Bleeding Pig Festival, Skerries Trad Music Weekend and more.

Welcoming the announcement, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Tom O’Leary said: “This investment of €800,000 in cultural supports demonstrates Fingal County Council’s strong commitment to deliver festivals, events and arts that bring people together. These projects strengthen local pride, create shared immersive experiences for all, and contribute positively to our towns and villages right across Fingal. I am looking forward to seeing these exciting programmes roll out in 2026” 

John Quinlivan, Director of Economic, Community & Cultural Development said: Arts, events and festivals are important drivers in helping to create vibrant towns and villages, attracting visitors and supporting local businesses. We are proud to support both programmes and will continue to invest in initiatives that enables our communities to thrive socially, culturally and economically throughout the year.”

For more information on the Festival and Events Funding Scheme 2026, including guidance, updates and future funding opportunities, visit www.eventsinfingal.ie.

For more information on the Arts Act Grants Scheme, please see www.fingalarts.ie