Féile Beag 2026 Review: Small Festival, Big Ambitions

Féile Beag delivered a weekend packed with discovery, community and memorable performances.

It’s been a long time since Féile Beag opened with such a genuine breath of fresh air. Rather than leaning on nostalgia or familiar names, Friday night deliberately turned the spotlight towards the next generation, giving a host of young performers the chance to step onto the festival stage and make their voices heard. With the event opening its doors to all ages, the atmosphere felt less like a traditional festival night and more like a glimpse into where the local music scene could be heading next. There were nerves, certainly, but they were quickly replaced by confidence, enthusiasm and the unmistakable feeling that some of these young acts won’t be playing the smaller stages for long. It was an ambitious way to kick off Féile Beag 2026, but one that felt both refreshing and genuinely important.

Féile Beag 2026 Friday Round Up

First up was Music Generation, the nationwide programme dedicated to giving children and young people the chance to discover and develop their musical talents.

One by one, a stream of young performers—many stepping onto a festival stage for the very first time—played with a confidence and enthusiasm that belied their experience. There were understandably a few nerves, but those only added to the charm. More importantly, there was undeniable talent on display, making for an uplifting opening that perfectly captured what Féile Beag is all about.

Katelyn Barry & The Skints were among the festival’s last-minute additions, but you’d never have guessed it from the performance they delivered. Already turning heads as the saxophonist and vocalist with The Grapevine, Barry stepped effortlessly into the spotlight, fronting a band that played with confidence, conviction and an infectious sense of fun wonderful set for such a new band.

Next came Coffsurp, a new outfit fronted by the remarkable Sean, whose powerhouse vocals immediately evoked memories of Andrew Strong at his fiery best. It was a remarkable debut, with Sean taking to a festival stage for the very first time, backed by members of Paradise Conspiracy, who provided a rock-solid foundation for his commanding performance.

If Friday was about discovering tomorrow’s talent, this was its defining moment—a genuine surprise and one of the standout performances of the festival’s opening day.

Steeple View had already turned heads during this year’s Tipperary Battle of the Bands, emerging as one of the competition’s most exciting prospects. Their Féile Beag appearance only reinforced that impression. Playing with growing confidence and maturity, the band looked sharper and more assured than ever, suggesting they’re evolving with every performance. On this evidence, it won’t be long before Steeple View are making the leap to far bigger festival stages.

Among the youngest performers of the day, The Ceol Ógs proved that age is no obstacle to winning over a festival crowd. Emerging from the Music Generation programme, they played with a confidence that belied their years, delivering a set full of personality and genuine promise. The addition of traditional pipes gave their sound an unexpected edge. If this performance was anything to go by, The Ceol Ógs are a band worth noting for the future.

Anglesea and Basilisk, two more acts that had already made an impression at this year’s Tipperary Battle of the Bands. Basilisk continued to build on their growing reputation with another Steller performance, but it was Anglesea who made the biggest leap. Returning with a tighter, more cohesive set, the band showcased a newfound confidence and stage presence that hinted at a group rapidly finding its identity

Delush arrived with the swagger of a band that knows exactly where it’s headed. Their set was all razor-sharp hooks, driving riffs and relentless energy, making them one of the undeniable highlights of Friday night. If they weren’t already on your radar, they certainly will be after a performance as assured and explosive as this.

Fresh from finishing runners-up in this year’s Tipperary Battle of the Bands, The Grapevine brought a welcome dose of classic Motown soul to Féile Beag. Within minutes, their infectious grooves had the crowd singing, dancing and swaying as though the clock had been turned back to the golden era of Stax and Motown. It was impossible not to get swept up in the feel-good atmosphere.

The Grapevine continue to grow with every performance, each member bringing something distinctive to the band’s rich, soulful sound. Front and centre is a lead vocalist whose effortless power and charisma mark them out as one of the standout voices of the entire weekend.

If The Grapevine got the crowd moving, then Paradise Conspiracy blew the roof off the place. There’s no easing into one of their sets—it’s an all-out assault of volume, riffs and relentless energy from the moment they step on stage.

Launching straight into a blistering run of ‘Go With The Flow‘, ‘Paranoid‘, Smooth ‘Criminal‘ and ‘Nookie‘, the band effortlessly mixed crowd-pleasing covers with a growing catalogue of original material. Of those originals, ‘Evil Eyes ‘stood tallest, hinting at a band whose songwriting is rapidly catching up with their explosive live reputation.

Paradise Conspiracy have become one of the most exciting young live acts on the Irish circuit. Every appearance feels bigger, tighter and more confident than the last, with a stage presence and rapport that few emerging bands can match. It was a fittingly explosive finale to Friday night and the perfect way to close a showcase dedicated to the next generation of Irish talent.

Féile Beag 2026 Saturday Round Up

After Friday’s celebration of emerging talent, day two of Féile Beag leaned on experience. The lineup was stacked with established names spanning indie rock, folk, blues and classic rock, proving that while tomorrow’s stars may have stolen the headlines the night before, the old guard still know exactly how to own a festival stage.

Penny Wise eased Saturday into life on the main stage, providing the perfect soundtrack to another glorious afternoon as festivalgoers settled in before the day’s pace inevitably gathered momentum. Their laid-back set offered a welcome moment to catch your breath before Féile Beag shifted into top gear.

They were followed by Soul Junction, making their Féile Beag debut and bringing a welcome dose of blues to the weekend’s eclectic lineup. Their soulful sound added another layer to the festival’s already diverse bill, while a commanding lead vocal ensured they left a lasting impression. The only criticism? A later slot would have suited them perfectly, allowing their rich, blues-soaked sound to connect with an even larger crowd.

Few bands feel as at home at Féile Beag as Small Fish. Festival regulars they may be, but familiarity hasn’t bred complacency. Instead, the local outfit continue to evolve, returning with a renewed confidence that’s evident in both their songwriting and live performance. Recent single No Small Measures feels like a breakthrough moment, capturing a band that’s rapidly outgrowing the “promising local act” label and making a compelling case for much bigger things.

Mama Martin have become part of the fabric of Féile Beag, returning year after year with their unmistakable blend of blues-soaked rock. Fronted by the formidable Andrea, whose powerhouse vocals effortlessly filled the festival site, the band once again delivered a performance packed with grit, soul and conviction. Their enduring connection with the Féile Beag crowd was evident from the outset, proving exactly why they’re such a fixture of the festival.

After a relatively laid-back afternoon, The Jobseekerz arrived with all the subtlety of a wrecking ball. Their explosive set flipped the mood on its head, fusing the politically charged fury of Rage Against the Machine with the genre-hopping swagger of Beastie Boys. It was loud, relentless and impossible to ignore, injecting a shot of adrenaline into the festival just when it needed it and leaving one of the day’s most unforgettable impressions.

A later slot on the bill suited Locklin perfectly. Barry has quietly built an impressive catalogue over the past few years, and his growing confidence as both a songwriter and performer was evident throughout the set. Packed with memorable melodies and effortlessly delivered hooks, his songs found an increasingly receptive audience, reinforcing his status as one of Thurles’ standout musical talents.

Next up were another local favourite, Mister Wells, returning to the Féile Beag stage after a couple of years away. Any absence was quickly forgotten as the band slipped effortlessly back into their stride, delivering a crowd-pleasing set packed with familiar anthems. Their infectious energy proved irresistible, with festivalgoers singing along from the outset and the dancefloor filling in no time. It was a reminder that some bands simply know how to read a festival crowd, and Mister Wells remain one of the best at it.

The Troy Band followed, and while country rock isn’t usually my natural destination, Daniel Troy and company made a compelling case for reconsidering. Blending driving guitars with infectious melodies and effortless musicianship, the band delivered a set that was as energetic as it was engaging. More impressively, they continue to raise the bar with every appearance, sounding tighter, more confident and more accomplished each time they take to the stage.

Closing out Saturday were Monticelli, a band who arrived with a growing reputation after previous appearances at Hickey’s. They more than lived up to it, unleashing a high-octane set of rock covers delivered with the confidence and showmanship of a classic American arena band. From the opening song, they had the crowd firmly in the palm of their hand, matching slick musicianship with boundless energy. It was a fittingly explosive finale to a day that had showcased everything from intimate folk to full-throttle rock, sending festivalgoers into the night on a genuine high.

While much of the attention naturally centred on the main stage, the Sully Stage quietly carved out an identity of its own. Filling the gaps between the headline performances, it provided a platform for a diverse mix of artists and ensured there was never a lull in the day’s music.

The Sully Stage welcomed an eclectic lineup that included Carew, Acrylic Crush, APPO, Harper Lane, Francis Ralph, Who’s Your Paddy, Septic Soup and Ivory Soul. While every act brought something different to the weekend, Harper Lane, Francis Ralph and Septic Soup emerged as the standout performances, each leaving a distinct impression in their own way. Special mention, though, goes to Thurles rapper Carew, whose charismatic performance and fresh perspective injected a welcome burst of energy into the festival, proving that Féile Beag’s musical reach extends far beyond guitars and rock bands.

Féile Beag 2026 Sunday Round Up

As Féile Beag 2026 drew to a close, it was impossible not to acknowledge the people who make weekends like this possible. Credit is due to Melvin, Josephine, Anne, Martina, Olly, Simon, Lorraine, Kevin, the staff at Hickey’s, Jigsaw, every artist who performed and, of course, everyone who bought a ticket. Their collective passion, commitment and support are what give Féile Beag its unique character, proving once again that the festival’s greatest strength isn’t just the music—it’s the community that comes together to celebrate it.

If Friday belongs to discovery and Saturday to momentum, then Sunday is Féile Beag at its best. With the finish line in sight, the festival takes on a different energy as crowds gather early, determined to squeeze every last moment from the weekend. The atmosphere is warmer, louder and more celebratory, making the final day feel less like the end of a festival and more like its grand finale.

My Father the King wasted little time making their mark, opening the main stage with a performance that instantly energised the early crowd. Their blend of driving guitars and infectious energy ensured Sunday got off to a flying start.

Looks Like Eve kept the momentum firmly on their side, following My Father the King with a punchy, punk-infused set that refused to let the energy levels dip. Loud, chaotic and gloriously unapologetic, they tore through their songs with real conviction. Another standout performance from a band that feels built for the festival circuit.

Gogga doesn’t need theatrics to command a stage. Armed with little more than a guitar and a voice that carries equal measures of grit and melody, he delivered a straight-ahead rock ‘n’ roll set that let the songs do the heavy lifting. It’s an approach that feels increasingly rare, but one that continues to resonate, proving once again that authenticity can be every bit as powerful as spectacle.

The Shane McGuire Band were up next, and it didn’t take long for the atmosphere around the main stage to shift up another gear. Festival regulars they may be, but familiarity hasn’t dulled their impact. Mixing their own material with a carefully chosen run of covers, the band delivered a set that felt warm, unforced and completely in tune with the Sunday afternoon mood.

Bright Falls made a welcome return to the Féile Beag stage following their hiatus, and it was as though they’d never been away. Eddie and the band slipped effortlessly back into their stride, delivering a confident, emotionally charged set that rekindled memories of years gone by.

Festival favourites Strings & Things once again proved why they’re such a natural fit for Féile Beag. Their trademark blend of traditional Irish instrumentation and contemporary songs is a formula that never loses its charm, transforming familiar favourites into something entirely their own. Better still, they have an uncanny ability to set the place alight, turning every performance into a joyful, crowd-wide celebration.

Sandwiched between two traditional acts, U-Turn offered a timely injection of classic rock. Their set of crowd-pleasing anthems landed exactly as intended, keeping the energy around the main stage firmly in the red and proving once again why they’re such dependable festival performers.

Led by Pat Wright’s dazzling accordion playing, Gobán Saor delivered a thrilling set packed with virtuoso musicianship, infectious energy and an undeniable sense of joy. It was impossible not to get swept up in the performance, making them one of Sunday’s most memorable discoveries.

Closing the weekend were local favourites Jester, a band whose long association with Féile Beag has made them one of its defining live acts. Fresh from the release of their latest single, ‘Talking In Your Sleep‘, they also unveiled two more tracks from their forthcoming album, ‘Faces‘ and ‘What Goes Up Must Come Down‘, both suggesting there’s plenty more to come.

As ever, Colly, Tossy, Mark, Shocks, Harry and Davy attacked the stage with complete conviction, delivering a set packed with razor-sharp originals, infectious hooks and the kind of chemistry that only comes from years of playing together. By the time the final chorus rang out, the crowd were fully in the grip of what could only be described as “Jester Fever”, bringing the curtain down on Féile Beag 2026 in fittingly unforgettable fashion.

As on Saturday, the Sully Stage continued to play a vital role in the festival, offering a platform for an eclectic mix of artists between the main stage performances. This year’s Sunday lineup featured Aleksej Barons, Keltic Swing, John O’Sullivan, Sun Merchant, Dear Readers and Locan Lyons, each adding their own flavour to a stage that proved every bit as rewarding as its bigger counterpart.

Among the Sully Stage highlights were Keltic Swing, who looked to have found another gear this year. Joe and the band delivered a commanding performance full of confidence, musicianship and charisma.

Dear Readers continued their steady rise with another assured set, their growing confidence and songwriting impossible to ignore.

Meanwhile, Sun Merchant brought a welcome change of pace, weaving Mediterranean influences into their sound to create one of the weekend’s freshest and most distinctive performances, earning an enthusiastic response from the crowd.

A special mention must go to Locan Lyons, whose solo performances have long marked him out as a talent worth watching. Joining Gobán Saor on stage, though, revealed something different. Surrounded by a full band, Lyons looked completely in his element, the chemistry between the musicians creating something genuinely special.

Féile Beag is an independent, community-led festival that has been running for more than 11 years, with all profits donated to charity. This year, Jigsaw Tipperary is the beneficiary, adding another important dimension to an event that has always placed community at its heart. More information about Féile Beag can be found HERE