Organisers of many of Ireland's local festivals gather today for talks on how to cope with the dwindling number of volunteers who work at the events.
The Association of Irish Festival Events (Aoife), an all-island body, is concerned about the costs of having to employ staff because of the difficulties in recruiting voluntary workers.
Local festivals attracted eight million people this year, generating €300 million for the Irish economy.
Aoife chief executive Colm Croffy will tell the organisation's annual conference in Ballinasloe, Co Galway, today that many will not be able to survive without help.
"The costs of the festivals and events season would rise by 60 per cent if it were not for the free time given by the 45,000 volunteers," he said.
"If you had to pay a salary to every person at every barrier, the events would not be able to survive and cover their expenses."
