The second Dublin by Night Fest attracted an evening crowd of almost 40,000 to the city centre for the free event last weekend, organisers have revealed.
The event aims to generate a fun, safe, family friendly atmosphere in the city centre after dark while promoting city-based art and culture.
Numbers attending increased by 15,000 on last year’s 25,000 figure for the inaugural event.
Dublin by Night Fest is jointly organised by Dublin Town, Dublin City Council, Fáilte Ireland under the Winter in Dublin programme, and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, with the support of An Garda Síochána.
“The second Dublin by Night Fest again proved a real celebration of the best of the city centre at night. We are delighted by its success,” a spokesperson for the organising collective said.
The combined two night footfall of over 40,000 enjoyed a showcase of outdoor live music, food, art and culture.
Over 70 paid performers entertained crowds at free events held at Drury Street, South William Street and the new venue of Central Plaza, Dame Street on Friday and Capel Street and Lower Mary Street on Saturday.
Announcing the 2024 attendance figures, organisers say following the success of the 2023 event, the decision to expand the scope of the Dublin by Night Fest this year paid off handsomely.
This year’s event again featured some of the city’s top up and coming musical talent, as well as street art, animation and culture, drag performers, a brass band, as well as a samba band and dancers and a trad band with Irish dancers.
Cookery demonstrations and market stalls from local city centre business were accompanied by an extensive food and beverage offering from some of the city’s top eateries and coffee houses.
Organisers reported that revenues for city centre businesses were boosted by the event, which hosted 70 local business stalls.
“Local business played a huge role through food and market stalls, and businesses not directly involved reported an uptake in trade,” the spokesperson added.
