Big Day Out Limerick 2025: Hits, Fireworks, and Pure Nostalgia
By 90s Legends Take to the Stage
The Big Day Out Limerick wasted no time proving it was worthy of the buzz. The afternoon kicked off in fine style with The Naughty Noughties, hosted by the ever-charismatic Kage Campbell alongside DJ W.J.A. Together they set tone for the day with a powerful blend of manic and wit. Campbell’s playful crowd work paired seamlessly with W.J.A’s sharp mixing, as they dropped a string of 90s and early-2000s anthems that had the crowd singing along from the first beat. Just goes to show the right mix of music and personality can transform a field of early arrivals into a full-blown party, long before the headliners even hit the stage.
Next up, the tempo shifted with back-to-back DJ sets, showcasing two very different but equally captivating talents. First was young up-and-comer Josh McCabe, who brought some serious energy to the stage, blending modern dance beats with slick transitions that kept the crowd moving. His set felt fresh and full of promise, marking him out as one to watch. Then came the legendary Sash! a name that carries serious weight in the dance world. From the moment he stepped behind the decks, the atmosphere lifted another notch. Dropping timeless anthems like “Ecuador”, “Encore Une Fois”, and “Stay”, Sash! reminded everyone exactly why these tracks still resonate decades later. His set it was part throwback trip, part lesson in how to get a crowd going, and by the end, the Gaelic Grounds was bouncing.
Finally, it was time for some live acts, and the legendary Heather Small took to the stage. What a presence! This lady is pure class, effortlessly gliding across the stage while delivering some powerhouse vocals. She treated the crowd to some unforgettable hits like “Moving on Up“, “Search for the Hero“, and “One Night in Heaven” each one sparking waves of nostalgia. Right after, Whigfield brought the sunshine straight from Ibiza, serving up “Saturday Night” and reminding everyone of those carefree days dancing under the sun. The energy was infectious, and you couldn’t help but sing along.
With a huge roar from the crowd, Peter Andre practically bounced onto the stage, joined by two dynamic backing singers. From the very first beat, they launched into full-on dance routines, and Peter didn’t hold back, delivering hit after hit. “Flava” and “Natural” had the crowd grooving, but it was “Mysterious Girl” that truly sent the Gaelic Grounds into a frenzy—hands in the air, singing along at the top of their lungs. His passion was infectious, his charisma undeniable, and it was clear that Peter Andre hasn’t lost a step
Not to be outshone, BLUE made their entrance, diving straight into their signature dance routines. Unfortunately, the set didn’t quite hit the mark. The backing track felt a little off at times, and there were moments where the timing seemed out of sync, which was noticeable even in their glances at one another—likely ear-piece issues. Vocally, they were solid as always, but the overall performance just didn’t come together the way fans had hoped. It was a disappointing set, and sometimes that’s just how it goes, even for seasoned pros.
After the disappointment with BLUE, N-Trance more than made up for it, bringing the magic back with a high-energy, unforgettable performance. They owned every inch of the stage, belting out their classic hits like “I’m In Heaven“, “Turn Up The Power“, and “Set You Free”. Kelly Llorenna’s voice was as powerful as ever, soaring over the crowd and proving why she’s still one of the true icons of dance music. For me, it was easily one of the standout performances of the night.
Mark McCabe followed, and as always, he didn’t disappoint. A true crowd-pleaser, he brought a turbo-charged performance with “Maniac 2000” driving everyone wild. It’s one of those rare tracks that somehow everyone—seriously, everyone—knows by heart and watching the whole place bounce in unison was a reminder of the sheer joy a perfect party anthem can bring.
As they say, all good things must come to an end—and what an ending it was. Basshunter took to the stage, firing up the crowd with his unmistakable high-octane style, joined by two backing dancers at times, delivering crowd-pleasers like “Now You’re Gone“, “Angel in the Night” and “All I Ever Wanted“. By this point, the audience was completely lost in the music, swaying, singing, and dancing as one. Just as the final note rang out, the sky above the Gaelic Grounds erupted in a dazzling fireworks display—a perfectly fitting finale to a day overflowing with 90s tunes, and pure festival joy.
Overall, the day was non-stop fun, and that’s not even counting the disco tent outside the main arena, which kept the beats going for anyone wanting to keep the party alive. The Big Day Out in Limerick delivered a fantastic mix of music, energy, and pure entertainment, with smiling faces everywhere. My only real gripe—aside from the slightly underwhelming BLUE set—was the parking. Finding a good spot close to the venue proved tricky, so it’s probably easier to park nearer the city centre and either walk or grab a taxi out. Beyond that small hiccup, it was an incredible day from start to finish, packed with unforgettable performances and a nostalgic trip back to the best of 90s and early 2000s music.