Communities across Clare planning Street Feast celebrations including Ballyvaughan, Lisdoonvarna and Ennis

Street Feast are delighted to confirm that over 1000 Street Feast parties around the country have been registered to date, including many taking place in Clare. The 8th Annual Street Feast Day, which is to be held on Sunday, 11th June 2017 is attracting greater numbers than ever before. In Clare this year, Street Feast parties are taking place throughout the county, including in Ballyvaughan, Lisdoonvarna and Ennis. It is expected that over 1040 neighbours will take part in county-wide Clare Street Feasts, which are supported by Clare County Council.

Street Feast is an Irish local community initiative and is an all-for-fun, do-it-yourself, not-for-profit celebration. The initiative invites individuals, groups or clubs to host a lunch on their street, in a local park or in their front gardens – inviting other neighbours to come along and join them. The all-inclusive, age-friendly initiative aims to encourage active participation, bring communities together and reduce isolation. Everyone is encouraged to bring something along to share, whether it be a dish, a chair or a tune.

Patron of Street Feast, President Michael D Higgins congratulated the initiative,
“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. Initiatives such as Street Feast provide exactly that type of opportunity.”

Nicole Bukley, one of the hosts of a Street Feast in Clare, said
"Last years Street Feast was one of the greatest days in the estate. It just worked. We had one of the funniest days ever. It'll be low key again this year- the simpler you keep it, the better it is. That's what I've found. We had films and music and a couple of tables and loads of food and drink. It was a super fun day. People came out of the woodwork. There was no fighting between the kids- just outdoors in the sun!"

Speaking today, Sam Bishop, one of the founders and Co-Ordinator of Street Feast said:
“We are very excited for Street Feast 2017! We want it to help rejuvenate communities, introduce new faces, bridge the gap between generations, share culture, stories and skills, and make our streets safer places to be.
“The registrations are coming in fast and the feedback has been exceptional, with some theming their celebrations or running them to coincide with other community projects. Over 1000 Street Feast parties are confirmed to date and 13 confirmed in Clare so far. There are still three weeks to go and we encourage as many individuals, friends, neighbours, clubs, community groups, faith groups, resident associations, etc. to get involved in this special all-inclusive community initiative. It can be as simple as laying out a few picnic blankets in your nearest green area! Go for it!”

Street Feast will support these individuals and community groups to host their own celebration, which is repeated on streets, parks, carparks and gardens all across Ireland. Everyone who registers can claim a free Street Feast party pack which includes balloons, bunting, invites, posters and a DIY guide, everything you need to kick start your celebrations.

There is still time to register and include your community in the 2017 celebrations. Please visit www.streetfeast.ie.
Registration for free mailed-out packs ends – Thursday, 1st June 2017
Registrations for Street Feast 2017 (inc. downloadable packs) ends – Friday, 9th June 2017