Final programme confirmed for Limerick winter festival 'unlike any other'

Irish rock band The Stunning are on the line-up for the festival | LL

placeholder image — Irish rock band The Stunning are on the line-up for the festival | LL

The programme brings together some of Ireland's most celebrated performers alongside international favourites and emerging talent

DOLANS has unveiled the final programme for Live at the Spiegeltent Pavilion, a new winter festival bringing an “exceptional” line-up of Irish and international artists to Limerick city.

Presented by Dolans in association with Limerick City and County Council and Limerick Twenty Thirty, the festival will “transform a unique and atmospheric Spiegeltent venue into one of the city's most exciting entertainment destinations” in the lead-up to Christmas.

Featuring a mix of live music, comedy, family entertainment and special performances, the programme brings together some of Ireland's most celebrated performers alongside international favourites and emerging talent.

The response to the new festival has already been “hugely encouraging”, a spokesperson for Dolans said, with The Proclaimers and Florence Road selling out in advance, “highlighting the appetite for this exciting new addition to Limerick's cultural calendar”.

The festival opens on Friday, November 20 with a sold-out performance from Scottish favourites The Proclaimers, whose catalogue of anthems, including I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) and Sunshine on Leith, has earned them an enduring following across generations.

Limerick's own Dylan Flynn & The Dead Poets take to the stage on Saturday, November 21, bringing their distinctive indie-rock sound to the Pavilion.

Irish song-writing legend Paul Brady performs on Wednesday, November 25, promising a special evening featuring some of the most cherished songs in Irish music.

The following weekend sees two major Irish and international rock acts take centre stage, with The Stunning performing on Friday, November 27, followed by Ash on Saturday, November 28, celebrating the 30th anniversary of their landmark album 1977.

December brings another exceptional selection of live performances.

Contemporary Irish folk favourites Onóir perform on Thursday, December 3, followed by Sharon Shannon's Big Band on Friday, December 4, featuring an “outstanding” collection of musicians for what promises to be a memorable night of traditional and contemporary Irish music.

The programme also features T.A. Narrative on Saturday, December 5, adding another exciting contemporary music performance from the Limerick duo to the festival.

The White Horse Guitar Club bring their powerful harmonies and distinctive live sound to the Pavilion on Sunday, December 6.

On Thursday, December 10, three of Ireland's most acclaimed singer-songwriters, Paul Noonan, Lisa Hannigan and Gemma Hayes, come together for a special collaborative performance.

Limerick favourites Hermitage Green return for a hometown performance on Friday, December 11, before rising Irish band Florence Road close the festival on Saturday, December 12, with another sold-out show.

Beyond its live music programme, the Spiegeltent Pavilion will also host a range of comedy, entertainment, and family-friendly performances.

One of Ireland's best-loved comedians and impressionists, Mario Rosenstock, brings his acclaimed live show to Limerick on Thursday, November 26, promising an evening of comedy, satire, and unforgettable characters.

Internationally acclaimed mentalist Keith Barry presents Unhinged – The Final Shows on Sunday, November 29, bringing his extraordinary brand of mind-reading, psychological entertainment, and audience participation to the intimate surroundings of the Pavilion.

Fans of live-action entertainment can also look forward to OTT Wrestling on Sunday, November 22, delivering an action-packed afternoon of professional wrestling.

The festive season will be celebrated in style with Scrooged, a musical festive family comedy, running across Saturday, December 5 and Sunday, December 6, offering families an opportunity to enjoy a special Christmas outing in the heart of Limerick.

Inspired by the famous European mirror tents of the Art Nouveau era, the Spiegeltent Pavilion offers audiences a concert experience “unlike any other in the region”.

A spokesperson explained: “With its elegant interior featuring polished mirrors, ornate woodwork, rich fabrics and atmospheric lighting, the venue combines the charm of a bygone era with modern production facilities.

“Accommodating both seated and standing performances, the Pavilion has been designed to create a warm and intimate atmosphere, bringing audiences closer to the artists in a truly distinctive setting.

“The festival also represents an important addition to Limerick's winter entertainment offering, attracting audiences into the city during the busy Christmas period and complementing the city's restaurants, bars, hotels, and wider hospitality sector.”

Speaking about the completed programme, Mick Dolan said: "We're absolutely delighted with the final programme for Live at the Spiegeltent Pavilion.

"When we first set out to develop this project, our ambition was to create something genuinely special for Limerick during the winter months. We wanted to bring together a diverse mix of artists and entertainment in a venue that would offer audiences a completely different live experience.

"Looking at the final line-up, I think we've achieved that. From legendary performers such as The Proclaimers and Paul Brady to brilliant Irish acts like The Stunning, Hermitage Green, Sharon Shannon, and Ash, alongside comedy, family entertainment and some of the country's most exciting emerging talent, there is something here for everyone.”

He continued: "The response from audiences has been fantastic already, with shows selling out well in advance. It's hugely encouraging and demonstrates the appetite for quality live entertainment in Limerick.

"We're particularly excited about the atmosphere the Spiegeltent will create. It's a beautiful, intimate venue and we believe it will be a wonderful addition to the city in the run-up to Christmas.

"We're very grateful to Limerick Twenty Thirty, Limerick City and County Council and everyone involved in helping bring this project to life, and we're looking forward to welcoming audiences through the doors this November."

Mayor John Moran added: “The Council is delighted to support Live at the Spiegeltent Pavilion, a fantastic addition to Limerick’s cultural calendar, bringing an exciting programme of music, comedy, and entertainment to the city this winter. Events like this help create a vibrant atmosphere in our city centre, attract visitors and support local businesses during the busy Christmas period. I would like to congratulate Dolans and all the partners involved in bringing this exciting new festival to Limerick, and I encourage people to come along and experience everything our city has to offer.”

Pat Nash, CEO of Limerick Twenty Thirty, commented: “Cleeves Riverside Quarter is one of Limerick’s most significant regeneration projects, and Limerick Twenty Thirty is delighted make this landmark 10-acre site available for these events as we continue with our ambitious plans for its transformation. Alongside the ongoing stabilisation and repair works at the historic Flaxmill, our approach to meanwhile uses is opening Cleeves to the public and bringing new life and activity to the site.

“With Scare Factory and Fossett’s Circus currently attracting visitors over the Halloween period, the Spiegeltent Pavilion will build on this programme, extending the site's cultural and entertainment offering into the Christmas season. We congratulate Mick Dolan and his team on an outstanding programme and look forward to welcoming even more people to Cleeves.”

Full Festival Programme: