Save the dates! Plans revealed for new community-led family festival in Longford Town

Plans are underway to launch a new community-led cultural and family festival in Longford Town, with councillors being asked to back the initiative.

At the March meeting of the Longford Municipal District, Fine Gael councillor Niall Gannon tabled a motion calling on the council to "formally support the development and delivery of a community led cultural and family festival to be held in The Mall, Longford, from July 24 to 26, 2026."

He was seeking support in regards to providing "appropriate logistical, operational, promotional and administrative assistance" from the local authority to ensure the proposed festival is "safe, inclusive and successful."

Read next: Three Longford schools are selected for DEIS Plus but call for more schools to be added

Cllr Gannon said the proposal aims to create “something positive, inclusive, and locally driven for Longford,” describing the festival as a way to bring the community together while supporting local businesses and increasing footfall in the town centre.

He said the event would provide “free, safe family entertainment” at a time when the cost of living remains high, while also promoting Longford in a positive light.

Emphasising that it would be a “controlled, modest, community-focused festival,” he added that the initiative would be “low cost, high return” and could act as a trial event, with potential to grow in future years.

He said the festival could be delivered at a relatively modest cost, estimated at between €8,000 and €12,000 for a small one to two-day event.

This would cover essentials such as staging, insurance, security, children’s entertainment and promotion, with the focus on delivering strong value while keeping the event community-led and accessible.

The motion was seconded by Cllr Peggy Nolan, who expressed her “full support” for the event. She said that a “family day” had previously been held in The Mall a number of years ago, adding that she would “help every way I can” and “can’t see why we can’t resurrect it.”

Fianna Fáil councillor Kevin Hussey supported the motion but expressed concerns that the festival could “cost more” than Cllr Gannon’s estimate.

He also offered to volunteer to “supply sound on the first day” of the festival, noting that he “has all the gear,” though someone else would be needed for the second day due to a prior commitment.

Cllr Hussey added that there has not been a festival in the town for “a number of years,” despite people on “social media calling out for it.”

Video: Tour the affordable housing scheme showhouse as buyer portal opens

Cllr Martin Monaghan floated the idea that "can volunteers cut costs", echoing Cllr Hussey's worry that the €11,000 estimate may be "a stretch". 

However, councillors heard that costs could potentially be offset through sponsorship from local businesses, stallholder fees, and the involvement of community groups and volunteers, reducing the overall financial burden on the council.

In a written reply, read at the meeting by Director of Services John Brannigan, it was stated. “Longford County Council will assist any community groups and would like them to present a detailed proposal to be considered.”

He added that the festival would require funding from the Municipal District allocation and said he believes the “proposal is worthwhile."