Blackrock village festival was ‘most successful’ summer event yet

Hundreds gathered in Blackrock last weekend for the 2026 Blackrock Village Festival, described as “the most successful” rendition of the event yet.

The annual community celebration saw attendees of all ages enjoy a jam-packed programme of events including live entertainment, family activities, and cultural experiences.

The two-day event, attended by residents, councillors, and Taoiseach Micheál Martin, saw performances from a range of local musicians, singers, and dance groups, including an opening concert on Friday night at St Michael’s Church from the Cork Light Orchestra.

Guests at the concert were treated to some fan-favourite songs from ABBA, Elton John, Queen, and Billy Joel, before the rest of the festival activities kicked off on Saturday afternoon.

This year’s parade, officially opened by Lord Mayor Damien Boylan, started from 12.30pm and saw participation from several local sporting clubs including Ringmahon Rangers, St Michael’s Gaelic Football Club, St Michael’s Tennis Club, St Michael’s Rowing Club, and the Blackrock National Hurling Club.

This year’s event also saw the introduction of the inaugural Blackrock Village Festival Dog Show, which garnered great participation from local dog owners across all size categories.

Other performers included Patrick MacBeth and The Ursuline Singers, The Oars, the Colin McLean Duo, Niamh Hatchell’s School of Irish Dancing, and Mexican dancers from Amadie Anahuac.

The event culminated in a performance from Hank Wedel and The Down in the City Band, after the presentation of a community award to Fine Gael councillor for the Cork city South East ward, Des Cahill.

Festival organisers said Mr Cahill was presented with the award by members of St Michael’s Credit Union for his “tireless dedication to the local area”.

Speaking to The Echo, Mr Cahill said winning the award came as “a huge surprise”.

“The event was a major success and the weather was a big factor,” Mr Cahill said.

“I was delighted and honoured to receive the community award, it was a huge surprise, but it was secondary to the event itself, I was just happy that it went well.

“It’s a huge team effort from the committee, who will be looking for people to join for next year.

“I’m looking forward to it already, but this year’s event will be hard to top.”

Labour party councillor for the Cork city South East ward, Peter Horgan, said this was “by far and away the most exciting and successful village festival yet”.

“It was a testament to the solidarity of spirit and community exhibited daily in Blackrock through multiple clubs and organisations, businesses, and talent of all ages and types,” Mr Horgan said.

“The committee are already looking ahead to next year and thinking of ways to try and out-do it.”