Battle of the Sounds 2026 will give young performers aged between 15 and 23 the opportunity to showcase their music on stage, with the grand final set to take place at the Bray seafront bandstand on Saturday, July 11.
It is about creating opportunities for talented young Irish performers, supporting local employment and keeping our rich musical and cultural traditions alive for future generations,
The festival announced Gorillaz for the top slot and Ireland's very own Fontaines D.C will take the Sunday night headline slot. And the iconic lineup continues with Irish star CMAT joining the headliners, along with the following acts: Sombr, Zara Larsson, Skepta, Wunderhorse, Role Model and Geese. Electric Picnic will take place from August 28 to August next year and tickets sold out within 90 minutes of going on sale.
A queer, nu-folk, singer-songwriter with a voice like complex coffee, Gráinne Hunt is a standout among Ireland's most compelling vocalists and songwriters - blending raw emotion with a quiet, commanding power. "The Irish Joni." Michael Londra Her two original records and new live EP, draw from deeply personal experiences, weaving stories of pain, longing and joy, earning her comparisons to Tracy Chapman and Natalie Merchant. "...an astounding voice that will melt your heart. No crowd can resist." Declan O'Rourke
Cathy Jordan reflects on her upbringing with limited money, working hard on the family farm, and eventually finding ways to earn from odd jobs, including singing.
