There was a great buzz at Phibsboro festival

PHIBSBORO’S Buzzfest has cemented its reputation as one of the best sustainability festivals in the country.

The annual festival, now in its third year, was officially launched on September 21 by local councillor Mary Fitzpatrick (FF), who was representing Dublin’s Lord Mayor. 

The event, which is organised by Phibsboro Village Tidy Towns, has come a long way since its origins as a simple honey festival and coincided with European Sustainable Communities Day.

The festival included a Repair Café, where visitors had jewellery, clothes, furniture, toys, bicycles and electronic and electrical equipment fixed. There was also a biodiversity workshop on making bee and insect hotels, as well as face-painting. 

 Speaking at the launch, Cllr Fitzpatrick said: “It is wonderful to see the energy and commitment within the community of Phibsboro and surrounding area who are working to create a more sustainable community and biodiverse environment. The Repair Café is a great way of reusing items which otherwise would be thrown away, and the workshop for making bee and insect hotels was fun for all the family – something for them to bring home and put in their gardens.”

 Buzzfest draws its inspiration from national and international bodies such as the European Sustainable Communities Network, Biodiversity Ireland and Swift Conservation Ireland. It encourages individuals to think globally and act locally. 

Susan Dawson, chairperson of Phibsboro Village Tidy Towns, added: “We really appreciate the support that Fr Aidan and the St Peter’s Church community have offered over the years. In 2016, we approached them with the suggestion of creating an apiary in their grounds, and then suggested a festival and blessing of the bees in 2017.

“They have opened up their grounds, not just to the bees, but to the whole community. I am particularly pleased with the involvement of local groups – the Men’s Shed, the Active Retirement Group and Phizzfest Stitchers, as well as all the volunteers from the Repair Café who gave of their time and expertise. There is so much going on in Phibsboro – it is a great community in which to live and work.”

 The reggae sounds of Firehouse Skank Sound System filled the air and refreshments were supplied by local businesses, St Peter’s parish and the Bake-Off competition. The Bake-Off was judged by Irish Times consumer expert Conor Pope, ably assisted by Sarah Kennedy, of Kennedy’s café. Ms Eileen’s ballerinas once again stole the show with their bee and butterfly dances.