The internationally-acclaimed Other Voices festival is making its long-awaited return to Londonderry this September, bringing together established and emerging artists for a celebration of music, art and culture that will be streamed to audiences worldwide. BRIT Award-winning singer and songwriter Kate Nash will headline performances at St Columb's Hall, delivering her distinctive blend of indie-pop and storytelling to festival-goers. The event is expected to draw approximately 24,000 attendees in person and generate an estimated £1.5 million for the local economy.
Festival founder Philip King described the return as
a pure delight to be coming back to Londonderry after more than a decade away, noting that the city's welcome during the festival's previous visit 13 years ago was transformative.
When we went to Derry 13 years ago as part of the UK City of Culture programme, it was a revelatory experience, King told a national broadcaster.
There was something magical about taking the Other Voices circus to Derry and getting such a welcome, such warmth, such hospitality and such fantastic music in the city and to come back is really a dream come true.
The festival's 25th anniversary edition marks the beginning of a three-year commitment to Derry, with King expressing confidence that the festival can build meaningfully on the cultural momentum established when the city hosted the UK's inaugural City of Culture designation in 2013. That year brought more than 140 events to Londonderry, including the prestigious Turner Prize and the Royal Ballet's first visit to Northern Ireland in two decades.
Building on a Cultural Legacy
King acknowledged that the promise of Derry's 2013 City of Culture year did not fully materialise in the years that followed.
I think there was a palpable sense of excitement that this was the beginning of something and, unfortunately, for whatever reason, that promise or that legacy did not materialise in as enriching a way as it could have, he reflected. However, he remains optimistic about the current moment.
I felt in 2013 and 2014 there was something in the offing, and it wasn't realised. But I think there is also something in the offing now.
King believes the festival's return will position Derry prominently on the global music stage.
Coming back to Derry, I guess it will make Derry audible and visible on a world stage, and we're thrilled to be able to do that.
A Diverse Lineup Spanning Genres and Regions
This year's programme reflects a deliberate emphasis on musicians from the north west, mixing established names with emerging talent. The festival will feature performances across multiple venues including St Columb's Hall, New Gate Arts and Culture Centre, Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, the Nerve Centre and the Playhouse. The opening concert is scheduled for Thursday 24 September 2026 at the Guildhall with Martin Hayes and Brian Donnellan, with Hayes returning to the festival after previously appearing at Other Voices Derry in 2014 with The Gloaming.
Tramp, a four-piece indie-rock-punk-folk band formed in 2020 with members from Donegal, Tyrone and Derry, will perform at the Playhouse on Saturday. Lead singer Siânna Ní Laithbheartaigh emphasised the significance of the platform.
It can feel like there aren't many opportunities in Derry to perform as a band beyond an open mic night or a bar, she said.
It is so valuable when you have something that has a reach beyond the island of Ireland. Promoting yourself as a band can be really difficult, so it's extremely helpful to have an established festival like Other Voices back you.The band has previously performed at Other Voices events in Cardigan, Wales, and Dingle, County Kerry.
Blues and soul artists feature prominently in the lineup. Muireann Bradley, a blues singer and songwriter from Ballybofey, County Donegal, will take the stage alongside UK soul artist Debbie. Additional performers include Derry band The Marra, Dublin group Basht, Dublin four-piece Bleech 9:3—whose music has been described as '90s-infused heavy alt-grunge—and Manchester-based quartet Westside Cowboy.
Around 60 gigs are expected across various venues over Friday and Saturday, with the wider Music Trail featuring dozens of live performances distributed throughout the city. St Columb's Hall performances will be streamed globally on the Other Voices YouTube channel and filmed for television as part of the new series.
Expanded Programming and Ticketing
Beyond the main musical performances, the weekend includes a new conversation and ideas strand called Soundings, presented by the Ireland's Edge team. This addition reflects the festival's ambition to create a multidimensional cultural experience. Soundings will be free with registration or by showing any festival ticket or Music Trail wristband.
Weekend wristbands for the Music Trail have been priced at £60 plus booking fee, with limited availability. The wristband model provides access to the broader festival experience across multiple venues, though individual ticketed shows are expected to be released once the full lineup is announced.
What Happens Next
The festival programme unfolds across four days beginning on 24 September 2026, with the opening concert at the Guildhall followed by the main festival on 25 and 26 September 2026. The Music Trail will continue throughout the weekend, offering attendees multiple opportunities to discover emerging and established artists across Derry's cultural venues. A waitlist for weekend wristbands remains open for those unable to secure tickets during the initial sale.
Key Facts
- Other Voices is marking its 25th anniversary with the Derry edition, which launches a three-year commitment to the city
- Approximately 24,000 people are expected to attend in person, with performances streamed globally online
- The festival will generate an estimated £1.5 million for the local economy
- Around 60 live performances are scheduled across multiple venues over the main festival weekend
- The opening concert takes place on 24 September 2026 at the Guildhall, with the main festival running 25-26 September 2026
