A Donegal TD has called on the government to intervene with extra support to give local independent music festivals a chance against major international acts.
Pearse Doherty TD says at least nine established independent music festivals have been postponed or cancelled this year.
In a letter to Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Arts, Catherine Martin, he called for an urgent meeting to discuss the vital need for local festivals.
Deputy Doherty added that such festivals are the lifeblood of many Irish music acts, in particular young artists and groups looking to make a breakthrough, as well as being vital to local economies during the summer period.
“As Ireland this weekend is engulfed by Swift mania, with Swifties from all over the country and beyond descending on Dublin, you would be forgiven for thinking that the music festival scene in Ireland is booming. Nothing could be further from the truth,” Deputy Doherty said.
“In the past year, at least nine established independent music festivals have been postponed or cancelled entirely. Many more are on their knees.”
Deputy Doherty is the director and chairperson of Sultfeile in Gweedore, which will be held in two weeks’ time.
He said: “I have seen at first hand how important the festival circuit is for Irish acts, who could only dream of the support of the likes of a Taylor Swift or a Pink.
“Put simply, these festivals are the lifeblood of many Irish music acts, in particular young artists and groups looking to make a breakthrough.
“It’s not just the acts either. The success of these festivals are vital to local economies, and provide employment to a whole range of people; from food vendors to sound engineers.
“Today I have written to Minister Catherine Martin to convey that she must urgently meet with, and provide support to, the independent music festival sector.
“Without intervention and support from the minister, it is inevitable that more music festivals will be forced to close next year.”
