Emergency funding needed to keep Macnas show on road

Macnas has had to resort to crowd funding and begging local businesses for sponsorship in order to stage its annual parade, which attracts upwards of 50,000 people to the city centre.
A survey conducted in the wake of the event last year found that 41% of respondents came from Galway City, 85% came into town specifically for the parade, generating a likely spend of €10m.
The parade – which shifted from the summer to Halloween in a row over funding with the Galway Arts Festival – costs €205,000 to stage – of which €125,000 are direct costs to put on the mammoth event, such as security, materials, equipment and artists.
Last year, Galway City Council gave Macnas €44,000. This year the grant was €34,000. Already this year the company is facing a shortfall of €21,000 ahead of the Halloween spectacle.
General manager Sharon O’Grady said the company wanted to stage a spectacular event for its 30th anniversary in 2016 but was running “to the wire” in its programme.
“Every year we don’t know how much money we have. We have to run from gig to gig. What I’m asking for is complete inter-party support. It goes beyond political parties. It’s about the heart and breath of the city. We need to be in a position to deliver a spectacular event in the lead up to 2020.”
After a lengthy discussion, during which all councillors praised the artistic merit of Macnas, it was agreed to give them the emergency €10,000 and review the €60,000 application during the budget estimates.

For more on this story, see the Galway City Tribune.