Regional Skills West, in partnership with the Galway City Council, has published a report on how to support this indigenous industry.
The Grow The Show Report was launched last week during UkeFest 2026 at Father Burke Park in the Claddagh.
This new sectoral analysis points out that while a range of training opportunities exist in areas complementary to festivals, such as digital marketing, hospitality, and creative production, there is limited provision specifically tailored to the operational realities of event management.
The report also recommends these courses should be offered by education and training organsiations outside the festival season, and that local authorities and industry partners must develop flexible professional development opportunities, enhance collaboration across the sector, and provide more structured support mechanisms.
This celebration of the ukele at Ukefest is one of the many festivals Galway city welcomes each year, and it provided an ideal setting to highlight the strength, creativity and community spirit of Galway’s festivals and events sector.
The launch formed part of a Festivals and Events Sector Meet?Up, bringing together organisers, producers, venue managers, volunteer coordinators, technical crews, artists and wider industry stakeholders from across the west of Ireland. The event offered space to connect, share insights and discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of the sector.
Attendees parsed key findings of the report, took part in networking sessions and engaged in a panel discussion featuring industry voices, including John Crumlish, CEO of Galway International Arts Festival, who spoke about sector pressures and the need for long?term strategic development and stronger collaboration.
Councillor Mike Cubbard, former Mayor of the City of Galway, officially launched the report and acknowledged the vital role festivals and events play in Galway’s cultural and economic life.
Fr Burke Park, one of Galway’s well?used community green spaces, has recently benefited from pathway upgrades, new seating, planting and a playground revamp, enhancing accessibility and usability for residents and visitors.
“Galway’s festivals and events sector is one of the city’s greatest strengths. The Grow The Show Report highlights the depth of creativity, skill and ambition across the industry, and the importance of supporting organisers at every level,” said Ruairí Lehmann, Tourism Officer with Galway City Council. “Today’s event shows our commitment to strengthening the sector and ensuring Galway remains a world?class destination for festivals and events”
