Dublin City centre is to host two thrilling night time celebrations in November to recognise consistent excellence across its evening and night time economy.
The ‘Dublin by Night Fest’ will mark the city’s award of its tenth successive prestigious Purple Flag, awarded to towns with consistently vibrant nightlife.
It will take place on Thursday, November 2 on Drury Street/South William Street and on Friday, November 3 on Capel Street and was launched by Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithí de Róiste and Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD.
Circus performer Ellie Sherwood, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD; Robot Ted, Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daithí de Róiste; Liz Halpin, Head of Dublin at Fáilte Ireland, Anita Hero and Eddie McGuinness. Dublin by Night Fest will take place on Thursday, November 2 on Drury Street/South William Street and on Friday, November 3 on Capel Street. Picture Conor McCabe Photography.
The new festival is jointly organised by Dublin Town, the businesses collective for Dublin City centre and key driver of initiatives around Purple Flag; Dublin City Council, Fáilte Ireland under the Winter in Dublin programme, and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
Events will include lively, outdoor evening and night time street activity, including live music, animation, art and culture, market stalls from local shops and food stalls from nearby restaurants.
There will also be cookery demonstrations by top Dublin City chefs with a movie shown on a large outdoor screen at Capel Street on the Friday.
A Purple Flag is an award for reaching a standard of excellence in the evening and night time economy through a diverse cultural offering which is non-alcohol dependent, family friendly, safe and vibrant.
Dublin is one of just 40 cities in Europe to attain a Purple Flag. Dublin City centre has consistently held Purple Flag status since 2013. Dublin by Night Fest will mark the tenth anniversary since its first Purple Flag, which is awarded for two years.
Circus performer Ellie Sherwood, Robot Ted, Anita Hero and Eddie McGuinness. Dublin by Night Fest will take place on Thursday, November 2 on Drury Street/South William Street and on Friday, November 3 on Capel Street. Picture Conor McCabe Photography.
According to Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daithí de Róiste, the city should be proud of its continuing Purple Flag status.
“The Purple Flag initiative is about striving to create safe and thriving locations at night for all users and Dublin is rightly satisfied to have received its tenth successive award.”
Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD welcomed the opportunity to celebrate and promote Dublin’s night time economy.
“A safe, vibrant night-time economy is important for any city and needs to be supported. The Dublin by Night Fest provides an ideal opportunity for Dubliners and visitors to engage with this wonderful city through cultural events, food and beverage offerings, street animation, music and retail.“
Dublin Town CEO Richard Guiney said local businesses would play a huge part.
“From market stalls to delicious food stands, Dublin Town is delighted to promote city centre businesses in collaborate with its partners in what will be a fantastic two-day celebration of the city’s amazing night-time economy and Purple Flag status.”
Liz Halpin, Head of Dublin at Fáilte Ireland, said research shows that attending events and festivals that allow reconnection with family and friends are key motivators for visitors looking to take a winter break.
“We are delighted to support the Dublin by Night Fest as an opening event of the Winter in Dublin programme, which highlights the vibrant experiences happening from November through until January.
“The Dublin by Night Fest will act as brilliant incentive for Dubliners, visitors and families to experience the vast range of music, culture, food and shopping on offer in our capital city.”
The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media is supporting the event through the provision of cultural activities and also vulnerability and personal safety training for night workers and businesses involved in the festival.
More information on the Dublin by Night Fest can be found at DublinbyNightFest.ie
