Frances Black, Pa Sheehy, Tom Dunne and Fiachna Ó Braonáin & Susan O’Neill
Winterval, Ireland’s largest Christmas festival, takes place from November 21st to December 23rd, and today the festival team announce a brand-new strand of live music for 2025, with a series of intimate concerts set to take place in the magnificent surroundings of Christ Church Cathedral. The line-up features some of Ireland’s most acclaimed artists, each bringing their own unique sound and spirit to the city’s festive celebrations.
The series begins on Thursday, December 5th, with Frances Black, one of Ireland’s best-loved singers. Known for her powerful interpretations of contemporary and traditional songs, Frances rose to prominence as part of the legendary Black Family and went on to achieve a hugely successful solo career, with albums that topped the Irish charts. Her voice, at once soulful and heartfelt, has earned her a special place in Irish music and promises to make for an unforgettable ‘Winterval Christchurch Live’ opening night at the cathedral.
On Friday, December 6th, Pa Sheehy will deliver a special acoustic performance. Formerly the lead singer and songwriter with Walking on Cars, Pa has carved out an impressive solo career, with his deeply personal and atmospheric songs resonating with audiences across Ireland and beyond. His stripped-back acoustic set will highlight his distinctive voice and storytelling style in an intimate festive setting.
Thursday, December 12th, sees Tom Dunne and Fiachna Ó Braonáin take to the stage. Tom, best known as the frontman of Something Happens and as a popular broadcaster, has joined musical forces with Fiachna, guitarist and vocalist with the Hothouse Flowers, for a collaboration that blends rock, folk and soulful influences. Their shows are celebrated for their warmth, humour and musicianship, and their Winterval performance will be no exception.
The series concludes on Thursday, December 19th, with the remarkable Susan O’Neill. One of Ireland’s most exciting contemporary voices, Susan has won acclaim both as a solo artist and as a collaborator with Mick Flannery. With her gravelly, passionate vocals and genre-defying style that moves between folk, soul and blues, she has built a reputation as a live performer of extraordinary intensity and charm. Her Winterval concert will bring the ‘Winterval Christchurch Live’ series to a powerful and uplifting close.
The Winterval Festival is a month-long celebration that transforms Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, into a sparkling winter wonderland. Each year, the festival attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors who come to experience its festive markets, dazzling light displays, Santa’s Grotto, family rides, cultural events and seasonal food and drink. Now in its second decade, Winterval has firmly established Waterford as Ireland’s Christmas capital and a European City of Christmas, combining tradition and innovation to create magical memories for all ages.
Speaking about the new addition to the festival, Trevor Darmody, Winterval Festival Director, said, “We are thrilled to launch Winterval Christchurch Live as part of this year’s programme. Christchurch Cathedral is one of Ireland’s most atmospheric venues, and to welcome artists of this calibre to perform in the heart of Waterford adds something truly special to the festival. It’s an experience that will stay with audiences long after Christmas.”
Tickets (from €25 to €30 plus booking fee) for all ‘Winterval Christchurch Live’ concerts are on sale from Friday, Sept 26th at 9 AM at www.winterval.ie. Winterval 2025 runs from 21 November to 23 December, with more than 40 events and attractions transforming Waterford into Ireland’s Christmas capital. Alongside the Christchurch Live series, visitors can enjoy Winterval Illuminates, festive markets, family rides, cultural exhibitions and more.