Limerick festival wins Best Green Event at the national industry awards

RIVERFEST, Limerick’s flagship May Bank Holiday festival, has won Best Green Event at the Event Industry Awards (EIAs), recognising excellence in leadership in sustainability.
The annual festival also won Best Event at the EIAs, which are Ireland’s leading awards for the live events sector, celebrating innovation, best practice, and outstanding achievement and Riverfest’s double win places it among the country’s most successful festivals.
In 2025, the festival delivered major sustainability improvements, including an 88% reduction in fuel-related carbon emissions over two years through the switch to HVO fuel, generator right-sizing and power-down schedules, a 14% reduction in waste volumes, and a 51% reduction in waste-related CO₂ emissions.

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“We’re absolutely delighted that Grooveyard has been recognised with the 2026 Event Impact Award for Best Green Event for Riverfest. This award is a testament not only to our team’s commitment to sustainable event delivery, but also to the incredible collaboration with our partners across Limerick who help bring Riverfest to life every year. Creating an event that celebrates our city while reducing our environmental impact is something we’re deeply proud of, and this recognition inspires us to keep raising the bar” said Brendan Troy, Festival & Events Team, Limerick City and County Council.
The awards were presented to Sean Lenihan, director Of Service, Brendan Troy, head of Economic and Tourism Development, Shane Feane, Festival & Events, Nadia Collins, Festival & Events and Mary Kelly, Festival & Events all at Limerick City & County Council, during a special acrobatic presentation on the banks of the River Shannon, with King John’s Castle as a striking backdrop, reflecting the festival’s strong connection to place, heritage, and the river at its core.
Produced by Grooveyard in partnership with Limerick City & County Council, Riverfest welcomed over 140,000 attendees in 2025, a 5% increase year on year, transforming Limerick city into a vibrant, walkable festival across Arthur’s Quay, Howley’s Quay, and King John’s Castle.
Riverfest’s success at the annual awards reinforces Limerick’s position as a leader in live events and demonstrates how large-scale festivals can deliver memorable experiences while setting new standards for sustainability.