Southsiders to hit the Street Feast

HUNDREDS of Southside communities are preparing to sit down at this weekend’s Street Feast 2019.

This year sees the 10th birthday of one of the most successful community initiatives in Ireland with over 120,000 people celebrating Street Feast last year.

An impressive 514 Street Feasts including 198 in Dublin City, 141 in South Dublin and 77 Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County were held across Dublin in 2018 with over 41,000 neighbours taking part.

Registrations for Street Feast 2019 opened recently with the announcement of Sunday, May 5 as national Street Feast Day.

A total of 1,344 feasts were organised nationwide in 2018 and organisers are aiming to increase this to at least 1,500. 

Street Feast 2019 is taking place as part of the inaugural National Community Weekend hosted by the Department of Rural & Community Development. 

Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Council are supporting Street Feast in their districts this year.

“Street Feast is about building community and tackling isolation,” Street Feast co-founder Sam Bishop said. “It is a great opportunity for people to get together with their neighbours to share food and enjoy some conversation and camaraderie.

“It doesn’t matter if you live in an apartment or house, all you need is an outdoor space to bring people together.

“We have had feasts organised in front gardens, on streets and greens, in carparks, laneways, local parks and community centres.

“We are delighted to be celebrating 10 years of Street Feast this year and think it will be bigger than ever especially as it now part of the great new National Community Weekend initiative.”

Organising a Street Feast is free and could not be easier, Sam added.

“Hosts can register for a free Street Feast pack including bunting, invitations, posters and guides. All they have to do is spread the word amongst a few neighbours and get everyone to bring along some food and drink for sharing.”

Street Feast was set up by Sam Bishop and a group of volunteers in 2009 as a non-profit, community building initiative.

Street Feast is once again teaming up with Oireachtas na Gaeilge and with support from Údarás na Gaeltachta they hope to have at least 30 Féasta Sráide on May 5.