The Lord Mayor of Dublin & Minister Catherine Martin T.D. Officially Launch Dublin By Night Fest

Dublin City centre is to host two thrilling celebrations in November to mark its recognition as attaining consistent excellence across its evening and night time economy.

‘Dublin by Night Fest’ will mark the city’s award of its tenth successive prestigious Purple Flag, awarded to towns with consistently vibrant nightlife.

It will take place on Thursday, November 2 on Drury Street/South William Street and on Friday, November 3 on Capel Street and was launched today by Lord Mayor Daithí de Róiste and Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Minister, Catherine Martin T.D.

The new festival is jointly organised by DublinTown, the businesses collective for in Dublin city centre and key driver of initiatives around Purple Flag; Dublin City Council, Fáilte Ireland and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

Events will include lively, outdoor evening and night time street activity, including music, animation, arts & culture and market stalls from local shops and food stalls from local restaurants. There will also be movie screening taking place on a large outdoor screen at Capel Street on the Friday.

A Purple Flag is an award for reaching a standard of excellence in the evening and night time economy through a diverse cultural offering which is non-alcohol dependent, family friendly, safe and vibrant.

Dublin is one of just 40 cities in Europe to attain a Purple Flag. Dublin City centre has consistently held Purple Flag status since 2013. Dublin by Night Fest will mark the tenth anniversary since its first Purple Flag, which are awarded for two years.

Purple Flag is an international accreditation programme, under the auspices of the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM) a membership body which supports and represents town and city management across Ireland and the UK.

“Local businesses will play a huge role in hosting Dublin by Night Fest events. DublinTown is delighted to collaborate with Dublin City Council, Fáilte Ireland and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media on a fantastic two-day celebration of the city’s amazing night-time economy and Purple Flag status,” said DublinTown CEO, Richard Guiney.

According to Mayor, Daithí de Róiste, the city should be proud of its continuing Purple Flag status.

“The Purple Flag initiative is about striving to create safe and thriving locations at night for all users and Dublin is rightly satisfied to have received its tenth successive award.”

Fáilte Ireland Head of Dublin, Liz Halpin said the body was excited to support the Dublin by Night Fest through its ‘Winter in Dublin’ programme which highlights the best things to do and places to go in Dublin during the winter months of November, December and January.

“It will act as an incentive for Dubliners and visitors to the city to engage with it in a celebratory atmosphere after dark.”

Arts, Tourism and Culture Minister, Catherine Martin said she was more than happy to support a celebration of Dublin’s night time economy.

“Vibrant, night-time economies do not happen by accident. Innovation, curation, planning and partnership are all key elements to creating a destination that can attract a wide cross section of visitors, and prosper, after dark.”