SeaFest nets national award

SeaFest, Ireland's national maritime festival, has received a top national award. The 2017 festival was awarded the accolade of 'Best Cultural Event' at this year's Event Industry Awards.

The award was announced at a gala awards ceremony on Friday 20th July held at Citywest Hotel, Dublin.

The Event Industry Awards celebrate excellence and showcase the very highest standards in Ireland's event industry. SeaFest was nominated alongside some of Ireland's most outstanding events and festivals.

SeaFest was described by judges as "a great celebration of Ireland's maritime heritage, that serves an important cultural purpose and is more than deserving of this award."

SeaFest has quickly become one of the most popular summer festivals in the country. Now in its fourth year, the festival has grown in attendance and scope – attracting 10,000 visitors in 2015, 60,000 visitors in 2016 and more than 100,000 in 2017 and again in 2018. The national festival celebrates our proud maritime heritage, and the amazing ways that our seas and oceans enrich our lives.

Speaking about the award, Sinéad Coyne, Communications Manager for the Marine Institute and SeaFest said: "SeaFest is now regarded as one of the biggest and most successful festivals of its kind in Europe. This would not have been possible without the huge support from a wide range of local, regional and national agencies who came together to plan and stage this largescale event. Thanks also to our festival organiser Arcana, our suppliers and to the media who have shown great support for SeaFest, year on year. Also a big thanks to our volunteers, and the people and businesses of Galway – we couldn't have done it without you."