The Liverpool Irish Festival is set to return this autumn with a comprehensive 10-day programme featuring more than 30 events across the city. The celebration of Irish arts and culture will run from Thursday, October 16 to Sunday, October 26, and is expected to attract an estimated 10,000 visitors, reinforcing its status as the largest festival of its kind in the UK.
Key Takeaways
- Event Dates: The festival runs for 10 days, from October 16 to October 26, 2025.
- Scale: Features over 30 events including theatre, music, film, and family activities.
- Annual Theme: This year's theme is 'arrivals', exploring stories of migration and settlement.
- Historical Context: The programme marks the 180th anniversary of An Gorta Mór (The Great Hunger).
- Expected Attendance: Organisers anticipate approximately 10,000 visitors will participate in the city-wide events.
A City-Wide Celebration of Irish Heritage
Established in 2003, the Liverpool Irish Festival has grown into a significant cultural event, strengthening the historic ties between Liverpool and Ireland. The festival uses arts, heritage, and culture to create a diverse and inclusive programme that appeals to a wide audience.
This year's events will take place at various venues across the city, from major institutions like the Royal Court and Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room to community hubs such as the Liverpool Irish Centre and the historic Peter Kavanagh's pub.
The 2025 edition holds particular historical weight as it commemorates the 180th anniversary of An Gorta Mór. This significant anniversary will be marked with events designed to reflect on the past, including a vigil along the Liverpool Irish Famine Trail. This will lead into the annual Great Hunger memorial service, where the Liverpool Irish Centre choir will perform The Ullaloo.
The Theme of 'Arrivals'
The central theme for this year, 'arrivals', provides a framework for exploring diverse narratives. It encompasses historical migration, such as the journeys of Famine refugees to Liverpool, as well as contemporary stories of personal discovery, settlement, and the formation of new identities and philosophies.
Emma Smith, the festival's artistic director and CEO, commented on the depth of this year's programme.
"This year marks a significant milestone as we reveal some of the deepest work we have done yet. 'Arrivals' allows us to explore both historical and contemporary journeys - from the Irish Famine refugees who found sanctuary in Liverpool to modern stories like Gráinne Hunt's personal discovery of queer identity."
Smith also highlighted the festival's expanding cultural ambitions, noting, "The world premiere of our documentary represents years of dedicated research, while launching our first Literary Salon with Eimear McBride signals our expanding cultural ambitions."
Programme Highlights: Theatre and Spoken Word
The festival's theatre programme is a cornerstone of the celebration, featuring a mix of new and award-winning productions. The schedule offers a varied selection of performances that align with the 'arrivals' theme.
Audiences can look forward to a range of compelling theatrical experiences throughout the 10-day event.
Key Theatrical Events:
- Queer Arrival (Friday, October 17): Musician Gráinne Hunt presents a personal and musical exploration of her journey into queerness. The performance will be supported by electrofolk artist HUSK.
- Green Curtain Theatre Double Bill (Monday, October 20): A two-play performance featuring The Irish Countess and Call Yourself an Irishman, offering distinct perspectives on Irish identity.
- Stamps and Stories (Tuesday, October 21): This event celebrates the centenary of the Irish passport, exploring the stories and histories contained within this important document.
- Did I Ever Tell Ya (Wednesday, October 22): Award-winning playwright David Gilna brings his acclaimed work to Liverpool's Royal Court for a one-night performance.
Did You Know? The Liverpool Irish Festival was founded in 2003 and has since become the most diverse celebration of both traditional and contemporary Irish culture in the United Kingdom.
Music, Tradition, and Family Fun
Music and traditional arts are central to the festival, with events planned for all ages. From formal concerts to informal pub sessions, the programme celebrates the rich musical heritage of Ireland.
The Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room will host the festival's closing concert, while the Liverpool Irish Centre remains a key venue for traditional storytelling and music.
Musical and Traditional Highlights:
- PK's Sessions (Friday, October 17 & 24): Two informal evenings of traditional Irish music will take place at the historic Peter Kavanagh's pub, offering an authentic and intimate experience.
- The Druids (Sunday, October 19): The popular group returns to the Liverpool Irish Centre for an afternoon of traditional storytelling and music.
- Dallahan (Sunday, October 26): The acclaimed World-Folk group will close the festival with a headline performance at the Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room.
The festival also includes a strong focus on family-friendly activities, ensuring that the celebration is accessible to all generations.
Family-Focused Events:
- Family Day (Saturday, October 25): Held at the Museum of Liverpool, this popular event features The Armagh Rhymers, who will present an exclusive story about the Liver Bird. Multiple local dance schools will also perform throughout the day.
- Samhain Céilí (Sunday, October 26): A spooky-themed family event celebrating the traditional festival of Samhain. It will include music, dancing, and costume competitions for children.
Festival Launch and Further Information
The Liverpool Irish Festival will officially launch on Thursday, October 16, at 6pm at the Liverpool Irish Centre. This opening event will set the stage for the 10 days of cultural celebrations to follow.
The comprehensive schedule includes a wide array of activities, from academic talks and film screenings to visual arts exhibitions and heritage tours. The festival aims to provide a platform for artists from Ireland and Liverpool to collaborate and share their work.
According to organisers, the diverse programme is designed to foster a deeper understanding of the cultural connections that bind the two regions. The full programme of events, including times, venues, and ticketing information, is available on the official Liverpool Irish Festival website.