Fastnet Maritime and Folk Festival 2025: A Celebration of Music in Ballydehob
June 13 @ 8:00 am - June 16 @ 5:00 pm
The scenic town of Ballydehob is set to come alive with the sounds of folk and maritime music from June 13th to 16th, 2025 as it hosts the annual Fastnet Maritime and Folk Festival. Known for its warm atmosphere and a diverse lineup of talented performers, this festival continues to be a highlight of Ireland’s cultural calendar. Attendees can expect a weekend filled with traditional tunes, maritime ballads, and much more!
Star-Studded Lineup
This year’s festival lineup promises something for every music lover. Celebrated artists such as Matt Cranitch and Jackie Daly, Brian Peters, Clem Lovell Trio, Jim Mageean, Pat Sheridan, Dick Miles, Rosie Stewart, Damien Barber, Andy Kenna, and The Cork Singers’ Club are just some of the talents taking the stage. With many more artists yet to be announced, festival-goers can look forward to an immersive experience of live performances across various venues in Ballydehob.
Maritime Song Competition Sponsored by IMRO
One of the festival’s highlights is the Maritime Song Competition, a contest celebrating the storytelling tradition in maritime music. This year, the competition boasts €250 in cash prizes, sponsored by the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO). Contestants must perform their original maritime-themed song live on Sunday, June 15th, 2025.
How to Enter the Maritime Song Competition
Aspiring songwriters interested in entering the competition can do so by submitting their song lyrics via email or post:
- Email Entries: Send lyrics to dickmiles77@nullgmail.com by midnight on June 10th, 2025.
- Postal Entries: Post entries by June 5th, 2025 to:Richard Miles
Ash Tree Cottage
Dunbeacon, P75A363
County Cork, Ireland
Competition Rules and Requirements
To ensure fair play and smooth proceedings, participants must adhere to a few important guidelines:
- Live Performance Requirement: All contestants must be available to perform their song live at the festival.
- Copy of Lyrics: Songwriters should bring legible copies of their lyrics, as these will be provided to the judges at the start of the competition.
This event is not just a competition but also a showcase of the unique and compelling stories that the maritime tradition inspires.
Experience the Heart of Ballydehob
The Fastnet Maritime and Folk Festival is more than just music; it’s a chance to experience the local culture, meet like-minded enthusiasts, and explore the scenic beauty of Ballydehob. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Irish folk, maritime ballads, or simply enjoy live music in a vibrant community, this festival has something for everyone. Don’t miss out on this unique celebration of music and tradition in 2025!
