Completely informal opportunity to come along for a tune. The second seisiún of two in the Festival; the other takes place Fri 17 Oct 2025.
Bring an instrument, your voice and a will to play along. There’ll be Festival friends to help bring the gang together, whilst a fully stocked bar — in one of the most historic and quirkiest pubs in Liverpool — eases you towards the dawn. This event gets busy quickly and sometimes it’s ‘standing room only’, so be prepared to ‘hotch up’ and swap places so everyone can get a piece of the action. This is a night that almost guarantees high kicks ‘til dawn.
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Forged in Scotland and Ireland’s traditional music scene, but drawing on the music of the Balkans and North America, Dallahan take their listeners on a journey. Traversing styles and countries of the world in a dazzling live show, they create their own unique brand of World-Folk delivered with stunning virtuosity.
The lineup consists of Jack Badcock on guitar and vocals, Ciaran Ryan on banjo, mandolin and fiddle, Andrew Waite on accordion and Benedict Morris on fiddle and they have appeared at some of the world’s most prestigious international folk music events such as Milwaukee Irish Fest (USA), Celtic Connections (SCO), Tonder Festival (DK), Festival Dranouter (BE), Woodford Folk Festival (AUS) among countless others. To date, they have brought their live show to 25 countries, earned three nominations for Folk Band of The Year in 2016, 2019, 2022 and 2023 and enjoyed collaborations such as with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, songwriting legend Dougie MacLean and Nepal’s folk exponents Kutumba.
Approaching a decade together as a band, Dallahan have become a veteran touring outfit and with each album they continue to evolve their sound – which they call their own brand of World-Folk – as is evident on their fourth studio album, Speak of the Devil.
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Irish people have made homes all over the world and Liverpool is no exception, being known as East Dublin, East Belfast and the 33rd county! Taking this year’s theme of ‘arrivals’, the George Ferguson Irish Dance School and Merseyside’s Melody Makers have collaborated to produce a welcoming programme, celebrating what it is to arrive. Whether home is new or old, arriving there can be full of anticipation, expectation and nostalgia. We’ll also welcome new guests to the stage.
This engaging two-hour programme features over 50 musicians and dancers from across Merseyside. The performance takes place in one of Liverpool’s most emerald spaces: the ever-magnificent Sefton Park Palm House.
Liverpool Irish Festival is proud to present this thematic collaboration, building an ongoing series of bespoke programmes, and becoming a firm fixture of the Festival. Grab your tickets whilst you can.
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The Druids Irish Folk Band are back with another master show, featuring captivating new blends of traditional Irish folk music and storytelling. This type of performance highlights the band’s rich musical heritage, weaving together timeless Irish ballad songs with the powerful narratives that have been passed down through generations.
The combination of music and stories would give audiences a deep dive into Ireland’s cultural history, offering a mix of lively jigs, heartfelt ballads and tales that reflect the country’s folklore, struggles, and triumphs. Irish folk bands often use this format to connect with their audiences on a more emotional level, while also providing an immersive, entertaining experience.
2pm
Duo, me + deboe, are professional musicians touring original work that blends raw texture with atmospheric depth. Known for bold, cinematic compositions, their sound has become a defining element in their collaboration with Tmesis Theatre, a company renowned for its emotionally driven and visually rich physical theatre. This showcase draws from Sealskin and other productions, as well as a broader body of work developed throughout their careers.
Part of Hope Street Blend- One Street of Sound on 26th – 28th September. A free festival weekend celebrating music & Hope Street in one unique blend. For more information follow @HopeStOfficial
3pm & 7pm
An Acoustic Evening with Skinny Living
Skinny Living are a three-piece English indie-soul band from Wakefield, West Yorkshire. The band is made up of guitarist Will Booth, Belfast-born vocalist Ryan Johnston and guitarist Danny Hepworth.
6:00pm-8:00pm
Jennifer Vaudrey is an experienced vocal tutor and workshop facilitator known for her nurturing, technique-driven approach to voice training. With a background as a professional vocalist and songwriter, Jennifer combines years of live performance with a deep understanding of vocal health, range development, and expressive technique.
She works with students of all abilities—from complete beginners to emerging artists—helping them unlock their vocal potential through carefully tailored one-to-one lessons and group workshops. Jennifer specializes in:
Expanding vocal range through practical, safe exercises
Breath control and support techniques for better tone and stamina
Confidence building for both singing and public speaking
Lyric interpretation and emotional delivery
Harmony work and ensemble performance skills
Her sessions are known for being both technically grounded and creatively inspiring, often incorporating songwriting, improvisation, and mindfulness to help students connect more fully with their voice.
Saturday 21 February, 1pm & 2.45pm
Join presenter Claire Henry and musicians from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra as they take you on a journey through an enchanted forest. Claire might need your help casting some spells along the way!
Tickets for under-6 months are free but must be booked in advance with an adult ticket.
Wednesday 12 November, 11am, 1pm & 2.45pm
Help astronaut Claire Henry and musicians from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra to power the rocket and blast off into space! We’ve lined up a concert full of exciting space music and our audience will be very busy helping to make the launch a success.
Tickets for under-6 months are free but must be booked in advance with an adult ticket.
Sunday 8 March 2026 2:30pm
Programme to include: Beethoven Symphony No.6, ‘Pastoral’: Movement 1 Dai Wei The Dancing Moonlight Vaughan Williams The Wasps, Overture Music from Brave
Lucy Drever presenter Charlotte Corderoy conductor Kate Labno BSL Interpreter
Muddy puddles, creepy crawlies, and maybe even a few furry friends – follow the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra as they set off on a magical, musical nature trail. Whether it’s the bottom of the garden, or the woods round the corner, there’s always something to discover when you step into nature, and today our Orchestra brings the outdoors inside with a spectacular showcase of works inspired by the countryside. So put on your wellies, and let’s have an adventure!
Family concerts are designed for 5-10 year olds, but all the family are welcome!
*Please note that BSL Interpretation will be provided at this performance – please contact our Box Office on 0151 709 3789 to book suitable seats.
