Blanchardstown to Welcome Brand-New Festival this August to Celebrate the Best of the West

Dublin’s newest family festival is coming to Blanchardstown. This summer BlanchFest makes its debut in Millennium Park, Blanchardstown on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August, promising two days of free family entertainment, live performances and celebrating the very best of the West.

Running from 12-6pm each day, BlanchFest will transform Millennium Park into a vibrant festival celebrating what Dublin 15 has to offer from local bands and artists to local producers and talented makers and community groups and businesses. As one of Ireland's fastest-growing communities, Blanchardstown is home to long-established residents as well as new families, BlanchFest has been created to bring people together, strengthen community connections and celebrate the people, places and talent that make Fingal so unique.

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Tony Murphy said: “BlanchFest is a fantastic addition to Fingal’s event calendar and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate everything that makes Blanchardstown a great place to live, work and visit. I encourage everyone to come along, support local businesses and make the most out of this exciting new event.”

Director of Economic, Community & Cultural Development, John Quinlivan said: “This new festival provides a fantastic platform for local performers, businesses, producers in the Dublin 15 area to showcase their talent and creativity. We want BlanchFest to encourage people to feel proud of their community and giving residents the opportunity to discover something new in their area and for visitors to Explore Fingal.” 

With the festival held just before the new school term begins, the event offers the perfect opportunity for families to make the most of the last weekend of the summer holidays. Whether you’re looking for a fun day out with the kids, live entertainment, delicious food or a chance to support local businesses, there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

Visitors can look forward to an exciting programme of attractions across both days, with giant inflatables, spectacular circus performances by the Broken Theatre group, roaming entertainment and live music from talented local bands and artists performances across the weekend.

For the shopping lovers, they will have the opportunity to browse more than 50 craft and artisan traders with handmade gifts, homeware and artwork. Food lovers will be spoiled for choice with a fantastic selection of food vendors alongside the Fingal Food Circle showcasing the very best produce from Fingal. Visitors can sample and purchase cheeses, freshly baked goods, sweet treats, snacks and many other local specialities. 

A dedicated sensory area will provide a welcoming and quieter space for anyone who may need some time away from the event. We are delighted to welcome Animal Therapy Ireland, who will be offering supervised pet therapy sessions in this calming and supportive environment.

Cycle to the event and visit the Fingal County Council’s Active Travel and Rediscovery Centre bike repair stand for a quick check-up before blending your own smoothie using pedal power. You can also put your cycling skills to the test on the Learn2Cycle track, featuring a scaled-down road network, complete with road markings and a roundabout, to help people of all ages and abilities to build their confidence on the rules of the road in a safe and fun environment.

Visitors are encouraged to plan their travel journey in advance and try to leave their car at home. Millennium Park is a short distance walk from Blanchardstown Shopping Centre and is well served by public transport, including Dublin Bus routes: 37, 39/A, 70, N4, along with Go Ahead routes: 220,238, 270, 236.

Fingal is keen to encourage visitors to walk, cycle or take public transport wherever practical.

For more information on event details, please visit: eventsinfingal.ie or follow us on social media for regular updates and announcements.