Floating Voices Festival: A Celebration of Ecology, Creativity and Community

This year marked the debut of The Floating Voices Festival , a festival born from the belief that creativity and environmental awareness thrive best when they grow side by side. Bringing together artists, educators, makers, and curious locals, the event transformed the harbour masters hut on the Waterford quays into a lively hub of ideas, craft, and community connection.

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Two Panels, Two Conversations That Moved Us

At the heart of the festival were its two panel talks-dynamic conversations that invited attendees to think deeply about our relationship with the environment and what that means in a community setting. Each panel brought together speakers from different disciplines, reminding listeners that sustainability isn’t a single-lane path but a shared crossroads of science, art, activism, and daily life. We heard from Edel Tobin (Founder of Street Art Ink and Floating Voices),  Laura Power (STEM Education & UNESCO Learning Cities, SETU), Grace O Sullivan (Former Green MEP)  and Avril Stanley (Founder Body and Soul festival), just to name a few! The conversations were filled with interesting ideas about the power of community and creative action. The discussions explored everything from practical eco-solutions to the role of creativity in imagining a more resilient future. Attendees drifted between listening, questioning, and connecting with one another, proof that sometimes the most powerful change begins with a conversation.

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Hand-Printed T-Shirts and Prints Pop-Up Shop

A highlight of the festival was its carefully curated pop-up shop, a celebration of slow, intentional making with sustainability in mind. Visitors flipped through stacks of prints and hand-printed t-shirts depicting the blueprint design for the upcoming Floating Voices barge. Buying these prints and t-shirts not only helped with fundraising for the Floating Voices barge build fund, but also supported the RNLI with our commitment to donate half of all proceeds.

The shop became more than a place to browse; it was a reminder of the value of craft in an age of mass production, and a chance to support makers who put sustainability at the centre of their practice.

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Local Artisan Food and Music

No festival is complete without good food, and music! Floating Voices were delighted to have the support of Sarah Richardson and the Seagull Bakery who offered a delicious spread for all to enjoy. From fresh breads and baked goods, to small-batch snacks, the food stand was the perfect addition to the days events. Alongside this, we had the pleasure of welcoming a local string quartet who kicked off the days events with their peaceful musical accompaniment.  

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A Festival That Lives Up to Its Name

The first Floating Voices festival truly lived up to its name: ideas floated, voices mingled, and a collective spirit of curiosity emerged from the days events. It was a space where art met ecology, where buying local meant building community, and where attendees left not just inspired but connected to the planet, to creativity, and to one another.

With such a strong and heartfelt debut, Floating Voices is looking forward to more community focused projects and festivals. With huge thanks to all who assisted and joined us on the day, with your support we can proudly say – this is just the beginning!

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