FESTIVAL H ISTORY

In September 2004, representatives from the Waterford and Wexford Counties of Ireland met with communities and organizations on the Southern Avalon, along with various government agencies at the provincial and federal levels, to formally discuss the merits of a biennial celebration between Newfoundland and Ireland.  The focus of the proposed festival was to link the two areas through a celebration of the rich cultural, historic and marine traditions shared by both regions.

From this meeting and subsequent frequent contact between the two groups, the first Festival of the Sea was hosted by Ireland from May 27 – June 6, 2005. A delegation from Newfoundland, supported by the Ireland Business Partnership and ACOA, traveled to Ireland to participate in the Festival. The response to the Festival was extremely positive and plans were implemented to host the 2006 Festival of the Sea in Newfoundland and Labrador. 

Upon returning, local organizers met and initiated plans for Festival of the Sea 2006. Again, support was successfully sought from Federal and Provincial agencies and the Festival was held from September 15^th-24^th, 2007. A major success, the event drew over 100 Irish visitors and engaged a significant number of community and local partners.