A St Patrick's Day which, like everything else recently, will be a bit different.
TikTok is set to be the lead sponsor of this year's St Patrick's Festival, contributing €500,000 to support the festival's Solas lights programme.
Solas: Awakening Ireland is a festival of illumination showcasing the most beautiful rural locations and urban landscapes in the country and playing host to lighting displays, spoken word performances, and a musical event with Irish pop artist Soulé.
All taking place virtually, the festival will be recorded and broadcast globally on St. Patrick’s Festival TV (SPF TV), a dedicated online TV channel at www.stpatricksfestival.ie, from 12 – 17 March.
Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment, Leo Varadkar TD said: “This year’s St Patrick’s Festival will be online, but we can still make the most of it.
"I know that many artists and community groups around the country have been working really hard to make it just as special as previous years. The €500,000 funding from TikTok is huge and will be a real boost."
The company last year announced Ireland as its European Headquarters and said it plans to hire around 200 people in Ireland this year.
TikTok allows users to create and share short videos that include different filters and backing tracks, and has enjoyed dramatic growth since its launch four years ago.
Cormac Keenan, Head of Trust and Safety at TikTok said: "As part of our mission to inspire creativity and bring joy, we are delighted to partner with St Patrick’s Festival to power the Solas: Awakening Ireland. Solas will see Ireland immersed in light through spectacular projections in locations across the nation as well as a special performance by celebrated Irish artist, Soulé.
"Due to the pandemic, there are now tens of thousands unable to work in the live events and arts sectors in Ireland, with the majority of performing artists impacted by cancelled or postponed events. As a significant employer in Ireland, TikTok will also be working with St. Patrick’s Festival to distribute funding to community projects nationwide throughout 2021 - supporting the recovery of local creative groups most in need."
