FÉILE ’19 are honoured to announce that this year, in her only festival show of the summer, Sinead O’Connor will be performing her own songs, and some select hits from the Songbook of Shane MacGowan in Thurles this September. The Big Gig just got bigger!
The town of Thurles, as well as the original promoters MCD, and the organisers of last year’s sell-out FÉILE Classical concerts, are delighted to announce that this year’s festival will now be named FÉILE 19. Previously titled Tipp Classical, the legendary music event which runs September 20 – 22 has revived its original moniker and with a host of new events and acts added, is close to selling out.
Nearly thirty years ago, FÉILE became Ireland’s first ever multi-day music festival and it was like nothing the country had ever seen before. Punk, rock and rave fans came together to celebrate their love of music, the Irish live music scene exploding as a result. After a long hiatus, the festival made a much-anticipated return in 2018 as Féile Classical. This year, the festival returns to its roots as FÉILE 19, a weekend long festival built on the classic bands and unforgettable music of the 90s with a hugely impressive line-up and a host of fringe events across the festival weekend.
The Big Gig at Semple Stadium.
Those making the Trip to Tipp this September will feast their ears on music curated by Tom Dunne of Something Happens, who performed at ‘90, ‘91 and ’93, and will this year also be returning to the stage alongside some of the most legendary names in Irish rock and roll, including the one and only Sinead O’Connor.
A host of other music acts from across the decades will be out in force, from Sultans Of Ping to Horslips and Therapy? bringing everyone right back to the glory days of the music scene. Other headline acts include The Stunning, EMF, The Frank and Walters, The Fat Lady Sings, Transvision Vamp, Something Happens, Eleanor McEvoy, Picturehouse, and Mundy.
The line-up also includes Brian Downey’s Alive & Dangerous, plus Eric Bell and guests Andrew Strong and Bronagh Gallagher performing songs from Thin Lizzy’s Live & Dangerous. Attendees will be treated to a very special tribute to Tipperary legend Shane MacGowan.
Unlike the rough and tumble of the old days, Semple Stadium now offers a gourmet food area called Food For Life curated by renowned chef Kevin Thornton, a host of beverage options, easy parking and plenty of accommodation options nearby. This is FÉILE with less mud but just the same amount of madness and music!
Commenting on the launch of FÉILE 19, curator Tom Dunne said,
“Last year’s Féile was the gig of the year for me and all the bands involved. So, to see this line up with the original Féile name back is very exciting! Féile to everyone means Thurles, Semple Stadium, the early 90’s, mad crowds, great fun and a truly wonderful generation of great Irish bands. This year’s line-up is better still. You will laugh. You will cry. It is time once again to…get the gang back together! This will be special.”
It’s The Free FÉILE Fringe
The party doesn’t stop in Semple Stadium as the whole of Thurles will come alive and continue the festival well into the night with silent discos, afterparties and a ‘90’s Late-Night Live Music Trail’. You don’t have to be a night-owl to enjoy the celebrations either, as there is a host of daytime activities including street performers and exhibitions taking place across the weekend: The FÉILE Archive Day-Time Music Trail, FÉILE Photo Exhibitions and The FÉILE Walking-Tour of Thurles.
Culture Night
FÉILE Fringe, Culture Night will take place on Friday 20 September at The Source, presenting ‘Tipperary on Film’, a screening of a selection of films shorts, music videos and animation made in Tipperary over the past three years, with a public discussion and meeting session for film-makers, actors and crew.
Glamping
Capture the essence of FÉILE’s past, but in 2019 style with glamping options at this year’s festival. We are delighted to offer a wide selection of glamping options, including Hearthworks, Yippee Tents and Pitched Perfect. If glamping isn’t your thing, you can bring your own campervan on site with access to an electrical hook-up and all the site’s great facilities.
Tickets are priced from €80 plus booking fee, and are available here. For full details on FÉILE 19’s line-up and accommodation options, please visit The Trip To Tipp.
