Fab Four fans set to 'twist and shout' at Cork Beatles festival

Beatles fans are being invited to ‘come together’ for the very first Kinsale Beatles Festival kicking off at the end of next month.

The festival, held in association with Bulmers Ireland, takes place over St Brigid’s bank holiday weekend from Friday, January 31, until Sunday, February 2.

Over the years, Kinsale has become synonymous with a diverse range of festivals celebrating food, music, and culture.

This new festival is set to be a standout addition to the town’s vibrant calendar. 

The lineup includes a candlelit performance in St Catherine’s featuring The Beatles by Munster String Quartet, plus tribute acts like Let it Beatles at the White Lady Hotel, Beatless, and The Beatlebums at The Blue Haven, along with a host of other performances across the town’s pubs and wine bars.

Conversation

The weekend starts with longstanding Beatles fan and broadcaster Dave Fanning in conversation with Steven Cockcroft and Jason Carty from the hit Irish Beatles podcast Nothing Is Real.

Dave Fanning will also be in conversation with Paul Muldoon on his work with Paul McCartney, followed by festival headliners Let it Beatles at the White Lady Hotel Kinsale.

A host of speakers will appear at various venues around Kinsale throughout the weekend, including Paul Muldoon, Peter Doggett, Dr Holly Tessler, Jane Hayward, Anna Tharia, and Deirdre Kelly.

Delighted

Speaking about the inaugural festival, Steven Cockcroft said: “Sixty years on, and there’s as much interest as ever in The Beatles.

“We’re delighted to be part of this festival.”

Saturday, February 1, highlights include a 1965 Reeling in the Years-style walking tour, talks on Abbey Road and the fascinating story of Dorinish Island, the Mayo Island purchased by John Lennon in 1968.

Tickets for St Catherine’s candlelit concert and the White Lady Hotel gig are now on sale on Eventbrite.

Visit https://www.kinsalebeatlesfest.com/ for more tickets and information.