Street Feast 2026 aims to help connect neighbours across Kildare
President Catherine Connolly, who is also a Patron of the initiative, is encouraging households to get involved
The annual Street Feast will return to Ireland soon, and neighbourhoods across County Kildare are being invited to pull up a chair, share some food and say hello.
Now in its 16th year, the Street Feast weekend has grown into something simple but poignant; a chance for neighbours to come together.
The President of Ireland, Catherine Connolly, is also a Patron of Street Feast, and is encouraging households everywhere to get involved.
"As patron, I am delighted to support Street Feast, which brings neighbours together and strengthens communities through the simple act of sharing a meal," President Connolly said.
In addition, this year's Street Feast will see Tesco Ireland step in as its official sponsor for the next three years.
FINDINGS
Last year, an estimated 88,000 people took part in the campaign, and new research from the Street Feast team found:
- Participants are twice as likely to know their neighbours well after taking part in a Street Feast
- 75 per cent of hosts said that their area felt friendlier afterwards
- 43 per cent met neighbours from different cultures or backgrounds for the first time
One host from County Wicklow, Jeanette D, said about the initiative: "Street Feast is a fab idea, and it's been such a positive thing for our neighbourhood for the last 3 years.
"Street Feast really has helped our estate; while those of us who have young children know each other, and older ones know each other, it's the one event everyone can go to," she added.
Hosting a Street Feast doesn’t require much more than a spot to gather and a willingness to bring people together.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Anyone who registers at StreetFeast.ie will get a free party pack delivered to their door, stocked with bunting, posters, invitations and a DIY guide.
There is also the option to collect a pack of goodies from Tesco. These will also contain street chalk and simple games to help break the ice.
Street Feast is also made due possible to the support of the Department of Rural and Community Development, as well as a number of local authorities across the country.
Anyone who wishes to register for Street Feast can visit https://streetfeast.ie/.
Street Feast, Ireland’s national weekend of community lunches and gatherings, returns in May of 2026. Photograph credit: Andres Poveda. Photograph supplied by Sustainable PR